Blue Jackets Designate Staffer Reid Robertson as Emergency Backup Goalie (EBUG) – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets already had the services of Reid Robertson available to them. He is their Travel & Logistics Manager.

We can now add another important role to Robertson’s resume.

Robertson Designated Blue Jackets EBUG

According to GM Don Waddell, Robertson has been named the Blue Jackets’ EBUG (emergency backup goalie) for the 2026-27 season. With the new rules in place under the upcoming CBA, every team must designate an EBUG that must meet certain criteria. Before, such as in the case of David Ayers, a local amateur was waiting in every building.

Robertson feels like the perfect fit for the Blue Jackets. He used to stop pucks for a living. He stands 6-foot-6. He’s already played the role of an EBUG before.

In May 2022, Robertson was summoned by the New York Rangers as an emergency option for Game 1 of a playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ultimately, he wasn’t needed in the game. He saw the same fate that most EBUGs get. They stay on the bench and don’t see any action.

Robertson has also helped out around Nationwide Arena when needed even helping the opposing team. In 2024 on a back-to-back situation, he put the equipment on and helped the Montreal Canadiens at an optional morning skate.

Situation inusitée ce matin, alors que les Jackets prêtent un membre de leur département des opérations hockey au CH pour agir en tant que gardien lors de l’entraînement impliquant les extras.

Reid Robertson a joué dans la division universitaire UCHC entre 2019 et 2022. pic.twitter.com/d4xFiHVWZi

— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) November 27, 2024

The new EBUG rules are very strict. They cannot have played a game on a standard player contract. They also cannot have played more than 80 professional games and cannot have played pro hockey in the previous three season. Robertson meets this criteria as a former college goalie and current member of the team’s front office.

Should anything happen to Jet Greaves and his backup (Elvis Merzlikins or Pheonix Copley) on any given night, Robertson will get the call both home and road. For a job built around hoping he never plays, he’s already exactly where the Blue Jackets need him.