Kings Re-Sign Pheonix Copley to Bolster Goaltending
The Los Angeles Kings have finalized the re-entry 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.
The agreement involved the Kings obtaining Copley, 33, 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 goaltender started 35 games for Los Angeles during the 2022-23 season, before missing much of the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery.
The Lightning claimed Copley earlier this month, concerned about the status of starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who was dealing with an injury in training camp. Vasilevskiy eventually recovered in time to play in Tampa Bay’s opening game.
Anton Forsberg is Kuemper’s primary backup, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season, along with Vasilevskiy.
Forsberg was the goalie in the Kings’ only win in four games this season (1-2-1).
Kuemper missed Wednesday’s practice, as did captain Anze Kopitar, due to lower-body injuries. Forsberg is likely to start when the Kings host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
