Once thought of as budding stars, now Steve Mason, Sergei Bobrovsky trying to rekindle careers

FILE -In this Feb. 19, 2012 file photo, Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason allows a goal during an NHL hockey game against the new York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York. There were times not so long ago when Mason and Sergei Bobrovsky were considered two of the brightest young goaltending stars in the entire NHL. Then both sank back into mediocrity. Now they're vying for playing time, and maybe a jump start to their careers, with the rebuilding Columbus Blue Jackets. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) (The Associated Press)

In this April 7, 2012, photo Philadelphia Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky keeps his eye on the action during an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh. So much has changed with the Columbus NHL franchise that maybe they should be called the New Jackets. Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Bobrovsky, Nick Foligno and Tim Erixon, along with several other unfamiliar faces joining the club for the first time, will undoubtedly play important roles in the young team's reconstruction. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Not so long ago Steve Mason and Sergei Bobrovsky were considered two of the brightest young goaltending stars in the NHL.

No more.

Now the 24-year-olds are vying for playing time — and maybe a jump start to their careers — with the rebuilding Columbus Blue Jackets.

Mason won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2008-09, the only season the Blue Jackets have made the playoffs in their 12 years. Bobrovsky once was considered the goalie of the future for the Philadelphia Flyers before he fell flat and ended up in Columbus this past summer, which got him for the meager price of a second-round and two fourth-round picks in the 2013 draft.

Both say the competition is good for them.