COLUMBUS, OHIO – Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason will miss this weekend's NHL YoungStars Game presented by Upper Deck, the club announced January 20.

"Steve has been playing through some back spasms for the past two weeks and after talking it over with our medical staff, everyone decided the best course of action would be that he use the All-Star break to rest," said Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson.

Mason, 20, has posted a 17-10-1 record with a 1.91 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and six shutouts in 28 games during his rookie NHL season. He leads the NHL in goals-against average and shutouts, while ranking second in save percentage and ninth in wins. He has started 28-of-33 games since being recalled from the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch on November 4, including 13 in a row since December 20. Columbus' second pick, 69th overall, in the 2006 Entry Draft, he has won the NHL's Rookie of the Month Award in November and December.

"I am honored that the NHL picked me to play in the YoungStars Game," said Mason. "And while I am disappointed that I won't be able to go, my top priority is my health and my team. I hope everyone will understand that."

The Blue Jackets return to action tonight when they visit the Edmonton Oilers in a key Western Conference matchup. Game time from Rexall Place is set for 9 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio HD will begin with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 8:30 p.m. The game will also broadcast live on the Blue Jackets Radio Network and flagship station WWCD-FM, CD101.

Tickets for 2008-09 regular season home games are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, The Chiller Ice Rinks and all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers. Fans can purchase tickets by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.BlueJackets.com and www.ticketmaster.com. For information on season tickets, mini-plans or group tickets, call (614) 246-PUCK or 800-NHL-COLS.