Los Angeles Kings Re-sign Pheonix Copley
The Los Angeles Kings have reacquired the experienced goaltender Pheonix Copley in a strategic move with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This acquisition seeks to strengthen the team’s depth while Darcy Kuemper recovers from a lower-body injury.
The exchange, which involves future considerations, marks the return of Copley, 33, to the Kings organization. Previously, Copley was part of the team for three years, including 42 games with the AHL’s Ontario Reign last season.
During the 2022-23 season, Copley started in 35 games for Los Angeles, before missing much of the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s move to claim Copley came earlier this month, amid concerns about the condition of Andrei Vasilevskiy, who was recovering from an injury sustained during training camp. Vasilevskiy ultimately recovered in time for Tampa Bay’s season opener.
Anton Forsberg, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season along with Vasilevskiy, is Kuemper’s main backup.
Forsberg was the starting goalie in the Kings’ only win in the four games played this season (1-2-1).
Kuemper, along with captain Anze Kopitar, missed Wednesday’s practice due to lower-body injuries. Forsberg is likely to be the starting goalie when the Kings host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
