Mason Marchment scores himself a large contract with Western Conference team

The 27 years old, went undrafted after a three-year OHL career. In 2018, he signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but between then and 2019-20, spent most of his time with the AHL's Toronto Marlies and only appeared in four NHL games.

The Maple Leafs traded him to the Panthers in February, 2020. He signed a two-year contract with the Panthers in November of the same year and in the 2020-21 season played in 33 games and recorded 10 points.

Marchment set career highs in all offensive categories. He scored 19 goals and added 29 assists for 47 points while posting an eye-popping plus-29 rating and averaging 14:07 of ice time.

Marchment possesses a big frame at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and uses his size to his advantage. In addition to his 54 points, he dished out 114 hits, third among Panthers' forwards.

While the first big NHL contract is a milestone for any player — especially someone like Marchment who really paid his dues in the minors — the new deal, which will keep him in Dallas through 2025-26, comes at a tough time for him and his family.

Mason's father Bryan Marchment, a former NHL defenseman of 926 games between 1998 and 2006, died suddenly at the age of 53 earlier this month, while in Montreal preparing for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft as a scout for the San Jose Sharks. There has been an outpouring of support around the league since.

There's little doubt Marchment will be looking to make his dad proud next season as he joins a Dallas Stars