The Los Angeles Kings have made a decisive move, reacquiring veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade for future considerations, aiming to stabilize their netminding situation as star goalie Darcy Kuemper faces a lower-body injury. This strategic depth addition could be crucial for the Kings as they navigate early-season challenges with a 1-2-1 record and other key players, like captain Anze Kopitar, also sidelined.
In a significant development for the Los Angeles Kings, the franchise has brought back veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley to provide much-needed depth in their netminding corps. The move comes as starting netminder Darcy Kuemper, a Vezina Trophy finalist last season, is currently slowed by a lower-body injury. The trade, which saw Copley return to Los Angeles from the Tampa Bay Lightning for future considerations on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, signals the Kings’ proactive approach to managing their early-season roster challenges.
Pheonix Copley: A Familiar Face Returns to Los Angeles
For Kings fans, Pheonix Copley is a familiar presence. The 33-year-old goalie spent the previous three seasons within the Kings’ organization, including a notable stint during the 2022-23 season where he started 35 games for the NHL club. His return offers a seamless transition, as he is already acquainted with the team’s system and personnel.
Copley’s journey back to the Kings has been eventful. After playing 42 games for the AHL’s Ontario Reign last season (2024-25), where he posted a record of 24-17-1 with a .904 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average, he was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this month. The Lightning had been concerned about the status of their star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who struggled with an injury during training camp. However, Vasilevskiy ultimately proved healthy enough to play in Tampa Bay’s season opener, making Copley expendable. The Kings seized the opportunity to bring him back, highlighting his value as experienced insurance.
A native of North Pole, Alaska, Copley initially signed with the Washington Capitals as an undrafted free agent on March 20, 2014. Throughout his career, he has appeared in 77 NHL games, recording a 44-16-8 record split between the St. Louis Blues, Capitals, and Kings. He is currently on a one-year contract valued at $775,000, as detailed by NHL.com transaction reports. His career statistics, including his time with various clubs, are thoroughly documented by Hockey-Reference.com.
Impact of Key Injuries: Kuemper and Kopitar Sidelined
The Kings’ decision to reacquire Copley directly addresses the uncertainty surrounding their current goaltending situation. Darcy Kuemper, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist last season alongside Vasilevskiy, missed practice on Wednesday due to a lower-body injury. His absence is a significant concern for the team, given his crucial role as the primary starter.
Adding to the team’s woes, captain Anze Kopitar also missed Wednesday’s practice with a lower-body injury. Kopitar’s leadership and offensive prowess are indispensable, and his absence, combined with Kuemper’s, presents a formidable challenge for the Kings early in the season.
With Kuemper out, Anton Forsberg steps into the spotlight as the primary backup. Forsberg has already demonstrated his capability, having started the Kings’ only victory in their four games this season (1-2-1 record). He seems likely to get the start when the Kings host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
The Road Ahead: Navigating Depth and Expectations
For the Kings, Copley’s return is more than just a transaction; it’s a statement about their commitment to navigating injuries without compromising their competitive edge. His experience, particularly his previous NHL starts with the Kings, offers a reliable option should Forsberg falter or if the injury timeline for Kuemper extends. This depth is critical in a demanding NHL season where goaltending consistency can make or break a team’s playoff aspirations.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the Kings’ goaltending tandem performs in the coming games. The immediate focus will be on Forsberg’s performance against the Penguins and the timeline for Kuemper’s return. Copley’s presence ensures that the team has a seasoned professional ready to step in, providing a crucial safety net as they work to improve their early-season record and contend in the competitive Western Conference.
