Ontario Reign: Possible Free Agent Target

Who is Alex Lyon?

Just like Pheonix Copley, Alex Lyon is a 30-year-old journeyman goalie who has played 39 career NHL games, with 15 coming this season with the Florida Panthers. Besides that, he’s spent the rest of his career in the AHL with the Leigh Valley Phantoms, Chicago Wolves, and most recently, the Charlotte Checkers. Throughout his career in the AHL, Lyon has put together a 2.62 GAA and a .912 save percentage. Prior to this season, Lyon helped lead the Chicago Wolves to a Calder Cup championship where he and Pyotr Kochetkov were stellar in net.

In the offseason, Lyon signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Florida Panthers. Lyon started the year in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers and eventually got called up to the NHL and made his debut in late January. His play down the stretch earned him the starting job for the Panthers’ first three playoff games in their first-round series against the Boston Bruins. After struggling the first three games, head coach Paul Maurice pulled Lyon in favor of Sergei Bobrovsky and Bobrovsky never looked back. The Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals where the Vegas Golden Knights dispatched them in five games.

Why should the organization sign him?

One main reason I believe the organization should syn Lyon is because of his experience. Erik Portillo is set to play in his first full professional season and some veteran experience would be helpful for him. It remains to be seen what the organization does with Matthew Villalta. Villalta is an RFA and could be an option for that veteran presence for Portillo. However, what if they go in a different direction? If the organization chooses to go in another direction, Lyon could be a good fit as that veteran mentor to Portillo.

For the past three seasons, the organization has looked to add that veteran mentor for Villalta. J.F. Berube, Troy Grosenick, Garret Spark, and Pheonix Copley have all seen time in net those three years. Speaking with Luc Robitaille at a season ticket member in March, I asked him about Villalta’s future, and he mentioned Villalta could be that backup to Portillo and provide that veteran leadership this coming season. Those plans could change. While I think the organization re-signs Villalta, I would not be surprised if they look outside the organization for that backup role. If they do, Lyon could be a good fit. However, Portillo needs as many starts so he can develop no matter who is the backup.

Should the organization consider signing Alex Lyon to fill that goaltending spot for the Ontario Reign? Or should they stay within the organization and re-sign Matthew Villalta?