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With the departure of Steve Mason, the Winnipeg Jets cleared some valuable cap space, but also created a position of need behind starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

While it’s obvious the Jets will be looking to be spending less than the $4.1 million Mason was scheduled to make next season, to get an experienced backup is likely to cost somewhere in the range of $1.25 to $2 million.

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After suffering through an injury-plagued season, Mason was traded to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday before he was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying him out.

The goalie market is fairly flooded, though deals are believed to already be in place for pending unrestricted free agents Carter Hutton (Buffalo Sabres), Jonathan Bernier (Detroit Red Wings) and Cam Ward (Chicago Blackhawks).

The Jets have Eric Comrie and Mikhail Berdin under contract for next season, though Comrie has only four NHL games on his resume and isn’t likely ready for full-time duty.