The Columbus Blue Jackets continued adding organizational depth Wednesday, signing veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley and forward Riley Bezeau to contracts for the 2026-27 season.
Copley signed a one-year, NHL only deal, while Bezeau agreed to a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract.
Copley, 34, has played in just one NHL game in each of the past two seasons, but owns a 44-17-8 career NHL record with a 2.85 goals against average, .898 save percentage and three shutouts across 78 career games with the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues.
His best NHL season came in 2022-23 with Los Angeles, when he posted a 24-6-3 record, a 2.64 GAA and .903 SV% in 37 appearances.
"Pheonix is a proven NHL goaltender who brings a strong work ethic, valuable experience and dependable depth to our organization," said President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell.
"He is a great fit for our club, and we're pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets."
A native of North Pole, Alaska, Copley has also enjoyed a lengthy AHL career, compiling a 169-104-40 record, a 2.52 GAA, .909 SV%, and 18 shutouts in 312 games. He spent last season with the Kings' AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, going 21-11-1 with a 2.59 GAA and a .901 SV% in 33 appearances.
Bezeau, 24, spent last season with the AHL's Cleveland Monsters, scoring five goals and adding two assists for seven points in 24 games while ranking tied for third on the club with 74 penalty minutes. He also led Cleveland with 39 penalty minutes during the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.
"Riley is a physical and hard-working forward that competes every shift," Waddell said. "He has earned his opportunity and we look forward to see his further growth in the Blue Jackets organization."
Originally undrafted, the Mansfield, Massachusetts native has appeared in 131 career AHL games with Cleveland and the Charlotte Checkers, totaling 15 goals, 12 assists and 244 penalty minutes. He has also scored four goals in 15 career Calder Cup Playoff contests.
Before turning pro, Bezeau played three seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs, serving as an alternate captain during the 2021-22 season and helping the club capture the 2022 Memorial Cup championship.
