Blues Recall Pheonix Copley

After a 7-3 drubbing at the hands of the Washington Capitals, the Blues have called up goaltending prospect Pheonix Copley from the AHL. From the organization’s official press release:

(Jan. 20, 2017) – St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the Blues have recalled goaltender Pheonix Copley (FEE-nihks, KOP-lee) from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.

Copley, 25, was originally acquired by the Blues via trade from the Washington Capitals on July 2, 2015. This season, the 6'4, 196-pound goaltender has appeared in 18 games for the Wolves and shares 10th in the AHL overall with 11 wins (11-4-1) while he shares ninth in both goals against average (2.32) and save percentage (.920). The North Pole, Alaska, native made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut with the Blues last season, allowing one goal in 24:26 on Feb. 27, 2016 in Nashville.

What sort of implications does this have for the current goaltending tire fire? Does this mean a move is coming? Are the Blues just looking for a way to get Hutton some rest while Allen does some soul searching? Korac also believes this could simply be a way to ship Allen down to the AHL for a conditioning stint:

More details will likely come later in the day, so I’ll update this post as things develop. Ultimately, last night’s shit show was so much of a train wreck, it seemed clear something was bound to change. Here’s a little background info on Copley for those who might not be familiar with the minor-leaguer who came over in the Oshie trade.

“Copley is ninth in the AHL in goals-against average at 2.32 and ninth in save percentage at .920. He has an 11-4-2 record.

Copley was briefly with the Blues last season, allowing one goal in 24:26 after coming in as a substitute.

The Blues needed to do something because Jake Allen is going through a serious slump, having been pulled from three consecutive games and four of his past six.

The Blues are 25th in the league in goals-against average at 3.03. Allen is at 2.85 with an .897 save percentage. Carter Hutton has a 2.80 goals-against with an .892 save percentage.

The Blues had an open spot on the roster and didn't have to make a corresponding move. They will apparently carry three goalies in the short term. If the Blues were looking to get Copley in a game, Saturday against Winnipeg is the time to do it. Their next two games before the All-Star break are against Pittsburgh and Minnesota, two of the top four teams in the league and probably not the place you'd want to throw a goalie with less than a half hour of NHL experience.” [STL Today]

Is 11AM too early for booze on a Friday?

Update: Copley has arrived with the team at practice, and Jake Allen will not be traveling with the club to Winnipeg.