Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Pheonix Copley to Bolster Goalie Depth

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a strategic move this offseason by signing veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley to a one-year deal on July 1st. This decision comes on the heels of a remarkably fortunate season where their goalies, Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins, managed to stay healthy throughout all 82 games. Notably, this marked the first time since the 2018-19 season that only two goalies played in every game, a rarity in the NHL, having only occurred seven times in the last 25 seasons.

As the Blue Jackets prepare for the upcoming season, they face a shift in their goaltending landscape. The Cleveland Monsters, their AHL affiliate, have lost veterans Zach Sawchenko and Ivan Fedotov, leaving young prospects Evan Gardner and Nolan LaLonde to fill the void. With Copley’s arrival, expectations are high that he will serve as a mentor for these emerging talents in Cleveland.

While some speculate that Copley may be brought in to eventually replace Merzlikins, that scenario seems unlikely unless a significant trade materializes. Currently, the goalie tandem for the Blue Jackets is still expected to be Greaves and Merzlikins. However, given the unpredictable nature of injuries in the league, Copley could find himself back in the NHL sooner than anticipated.

Copley, who hails from North Pole, Alaska, made his NHL debut on February 17, 2016, with the St. Louis Blues. Over his career, he has amassed a record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and 8 overtime losses, with a save percentage of .898 and a goals-against average of 2.85 across 70 career starts. His AHL experience is also notable, with a record of 169-104-30-18, a save percentage of .909, and a GAA of 2.52. In the AHL playoffs, he has appeared in 11 games, showcasing a solid .933 save percentage and a GAA of 2.13.

As the Blue Jackets continue to navigate free agency, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and breaking news surrounding their team.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.