COLUMBUS — President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell added organizational depth to the Columbus Blue Jackets as the club announced the official signings of veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley and energetic forward Riley Bezeau to separate one-year contracts for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign.

Copley, 34, joins the Blue Jackets with 78 games of NHL experience split across stints with the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues. He has a career NHL record of 44-17-8 alongside a 2.85 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage. Copley’s most notable stretch came during the 2022–23 campaign with Los Angeles, where he engineered a stellar 24-6-3 record.

While the veteran goaltender’s peak statistical years may be behind him, his addition infuses critical stability and veteran insight into the organizational depth chart.

"Pheonix is a proven NHL goaltender who brings a strong work ethic, valuable experience and dependable depth to our organization," Waddell stated. "He is a great fit for our club, and we're pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets."

At the opposite end of the career longevity spectrum, the Blue Jackets locked down forward Riley Bezeau on a one-year, two-way contract. Bezeau has refined his physical edge across 131 career American Hockey League games with the Cleveland Monsters and Charlotte Checkers. Over his AHL tenure, the rugged forward has logged 15 goals, 12 assists, and a notable 244 penalty minutes.

"Riley is a physical and hard-working forward that competes every shift," Waddell remarked. "He has earned his opportunity and we look forward to see his further growth in the Blue Jackets organization."

While neither player is the flashiest of signings, both are solid organizational depth pieces as Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets brass continue to remake the roster.