Canucks sign forward Mason Raymond for two years and US$5.1 million

FILE--Vancouver Canucks' Mason Raymond, centre, celebrates his second goal with teammates Ryan Kesler, left, and Mikael Samuelsson, from Sweden, during first period NHL hockey action against the Vancouver Canucks in Calgary, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. The Vancouver Canucks have avoided arbitration with Mason Raymond by signing the forward to a two-year, US$5.1 million contract.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks have avoided arbitration with Mason Raymond by signing the forward to a two-year, US$5.1 million contract.

Raymond set career highs with 25 goals and 53 points last season when he earned $760,000. He filed for arbitration and was on his way to a hearing in Toronto on Monday when the new deal was worked out.

Raymond will receive $2.5 million next season and $2.6 million in 2011-12.

Raymond, originally picked in the second round by the Canucks in 2005, has 45 goals and 97 points in 203 career NHL games.

The deal puts the Canucks more than $2.6 million over this year's $59.4 million salary cap.