The Vancouver Canucks have avoided arbitration with forward Mason Raymond, signing the 24-year old to a two-year, $5.1 million contract prior to his hearing.

Canucks' general manager Mike Gillis met with Raymond and his agent J.P Barry over dinner on Sunday, however the deal was not finalized until 8:55 am on Monday, just five minutes prior to his hearing.

He is set to earn $2.5 million in the first year of the contract and $2.6 in the second year.  He earned just $760,000 last season.

tsn.ca