Either Neuvirth or Stolarz will have to be exposed for the Vegas Golden Knights to claim at the NHL Expansion Draft. Teams must leave unprotected one goaltender under contract for next season or a restricted free agent who has received a qualifying offer prior to the June 17 submission deadline. Stolarz can be a restricted free agent July 1.
Mason said April 12 that if he did return, he would like it to be as the clear No. 1 goaltender. Mason started 16 of the final 21 games during the regular season, going 10-4-2 with a 2.08 GAA and .928 save percentage as the Flyers pushed for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They finished seven points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second wild card from the Eastern Conference.
"The last two months of the year, when there was that clarity, that's when we had that success," Mason said. "We both understand, should I be here moving forward, that's something that would have to continue."
Hextall previously said he doesn't want to get tied into a long-term contract with a goaltender because of the prospects who are rapidly developing. Stolarz and partner Alex Lyon, 24, combined for a .912 save percentage with Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League.
In addition, Carter Hart, a second-round pick (No. 48) in the 2016 NHL Draft, was named the best goaltender in the Western Hockey League for the second straight season Wednesday and helped Canada win the silver medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. Felix Sandstrom, a third-round pick (No. 70) in 2015, was named the best goaltender playing for Sweden at the World Juniors. Merrick Madsen, a 2013 sixth-round pick (No. 162) helped Harvard reach the Frozen Four.
"We do have kids coming and I think everybody knows it," Hextall said April 13. "I don't have a lot of interest in getting into a long, drawn-out deal with a goaltender. But again, we'll look at our options and move when we feel is our best option at the appropriate time."
