A Veteran Presence in the Crease
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley, inking him to a one‑year contract that will carry him through the 2026‑27 NHL season. The move comes as the club looks to bolster its net‑minding depth heading into a pivotal campaign.
Copley, 34, arrives in Columbus with a solid NHL résumé that includes a 44‑17‑8 record, a 2.85 goals‑against average and a .898 save percentage across 78 career appearances. His most recent stretch with the Los Angeles Kings in 2022‑23 saw him post career‑high totals in wins, GAA and games played, underscoring his ability to handle a heavy workload.
Beyond the NHL, the goaltender has been a mainstay in the American Hockey League, where he has compiled a 169‑104‑40 record with a 2.52 GAA and a .909 save percentage in 312 contests. The 2020‑21 season earned him the Harry Holmes Memorial Award as part of the league’s Best Goaltending Duo, a testament to his consistency between the pipes.
Copley’s journey to the professional ranks began with his NHL debut during the 2015‑16 campaign with the St. Louis Blues. Prior to that, he honed his craft at Michigan Tech, where he posted an 18‑28‑7 record with a 2.82 GAA and a .906 save percentage over 54 appearances. He also spent a season in the USHL in 2011‑12, posting a 16‑24‑1 mark and a .907 save percentage.
General manager Don Waddell praised the signing, noting that Copley’s blend of experience and proven performance makes him a valuable addition for a team eyeing a deep playoff push. “We’re excited to bring a steady hand and a winning pedigree to our locker room,” Waddell said in a statement.