The Columbus Blue Jackets entered the latest campaign with an unusual sense of security between the pipes, as both Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins managed to appear in every single game without a single injury.
Such durability is a rarity in the franchise’s modern era; it marks only the seventh occasion in the past 25 seasons that the club has escaped the injury bug entirely among its primary netminders.
A Tandem Poised for Continuity
Building on that stability, the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters announced in early July that veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley had signed a one‑year contract, bringing a wealth of experience to the organization.
Copley, who has posted a 44‑17‑8 record in the NHL with a .898 save percentage and a 2.85 goals‑against average, also boasts a stellar AHL résumé of 169 wins, a .909 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA, earning the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award in 2021 for the league’s fewest goals against.
Beyond the numbers, the 33‑year‑old is expected to serve as a mentor to the Monsters’ emerging talents, Evan Gardner and Nolan LaLonde, while also providing a reliable option should injuries force the club to dip into the NHL roster.
Copley’s own path to Cleveland has been marked by frequent moves across the NHL, having been traded among Washington, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Tampa Bay before landing in Ohio, a journey that adds a layer of seasoned perspective to his new role.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the veteran’s presence translates into additional wins for the Monsters and whether his mentorship accelerates the development of the younger goaltenders, potentially reshaping the team’s outlook for the next season.