Kings Re-Sign Pheonix Copley to Bolster Goaltending
The Los Angeles Kings have finalized the return of experienced goaltender Pheonix Copley through a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This acquisition seeks to strengthen the goaltending position, while Darcy Kuemper recovers from a lower body injury.
In the agreement, the Kings obtained 33-year-old Copley in exchange for future considerations.
Copley was part of the Kings organization for the previous three years, including 42 games last season with the AHL’s Ontario Reign. The former Washington goalie started 35 games for Los Angeles during the 2022-23 season before missing a large part of the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery.
The Lightning claimed Copley earlier this month, concerned about the situation of Andrei Vasilevskiy, who was dealing with an injury in training camp. Finally, Vasilevskiy recovered in time to play in Tampa Bay’s inaugural game.
Anton Forsberg is Kuemper’s primary backup, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season, along with Vasilevskiy.
Forsberg was the starting goalie in the Kings’ only win in the four games this season (1-2-1).
Kuemper was unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice, as did captain Anze Kopitar, both due to lower-body injuries. Forsberg is likely to be the starting goaltender when the Kings host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
