Steve Mason Injury: Updates on Flyers Star's Knee and Return

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Steve Mason underwent arthroscopic surgery on his injured knee, and is closing in on a return to action, with a targeted return for Saturday's game.

Continue for updates.

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Mason Set for Saturday Return, Will Be Backup vs. Toronto

Thursday, Feb. 26

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Mason as he closes in on a return to the lineup after surgery, saying the goaltender will serve as the team's backup vs. Toronto with the aim of starting on Saturday.

Mason returned to practice on Feb. 25, the Flyers confirmed.

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GM Hextall Confirms Mason Surgery

Thursday, Feb. 12

Sam Cardichi of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Flyers general manager Ron Hextall confirmed that Mason underwent arthroscopic surgery. 

Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News added more from Hextall:

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Mason Reportedly Out 2-3 Weeks After Surgery

Tuesday, Feb. 10 

The last two months have seen Mason miss 10 games while hoping rest would help him avoid surgery on his ailing right knee. After yet another tweak in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals, Mason will reportedly be going under the knife.    

Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly reported Monday that MRIs have revealed Mason needs a scope on his knee that will hopefully relieve his ongoing pain. A formal diagnosis of Mason's injury has not been given, but doctors hope to uncover the amount of damage during the procedure.

The Flyers revealed on Tuesday that Mason is expected to miss two to three weeks, according to Philly.com's Frank Seravalli.

Mason, 26, left after 31:17 of ice time Sunday when his knee buckled during a timeout. While there appeared to be no strained motion, he was noticeably in pain as he skated toward the bench and needed help making his way behind the boards to meet with trainers. Mason then attempted to stretch out the injury but was unable to continue.

Ray Emery took over in net for the final 28:43, stopping five of the six shots that went his way. Emery will be the Flyers' primary goaltender for the duration of Mason's absence. Flyers general manager Ron Hextall did not initially offer a firm timetable on Mason's absence but did say on Monday it would be "at least" a week, per Randy Miller of NJ.com:

Mason previously missed four games in December and six games in January due to pain in his knee. The Flyers, who are currently hanging on the very outskirts of playoff contention, may wind up completely eliminated by the time he returns. Emery is 9-9-1 on the season while allowing a full goal per game more than Mason.

While a promising young talent, Mason's career has been increasingly altered by injury. He's missed time in each of his two-plus seasons in Philadelphia due to various ailments.

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