The Columbus Blue Jackets found themselves an experienced backup goalie for young star netminder Steve Mason, signing former Pittsburgh Penguin Mathieu Garon to a two year deal worth $1.2 million per season.

Garon, 31, was a former starting goaltender with the LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers but a rough performance earlier last season with the Oilers saw him relegated to backup status and then dealt to the Penguins by mid-season where he was in a backup role for Marc-Andre Fleury.

In 19 games last season split between the Oilers and Penguins Garon posted an 8-9-0 record with a 3.12 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage. He was backup for Fleury during the Penguins run to the Stanley Cup this season, and saw action in one game relieving Fleury in one game during the Final.

Garon will make a good back up for Mason, whom the Blue Jackets must be careful not to overuse this coming season. Mason appeared to struggle a bit down the stretch and into the playoffs, even playing despite suffering a bout of mononucleosis, as the Jackets lacked an experienced back up to help him carry the load.