The Los Angeles Kings have made a strategic move, acquiring goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade that occurred just under two weeks after the Lightning claimed him off waivers. This move comes with a twist: the Kings have also loaned goaltender Erik Portillo to their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. The trade highlights the Kings' strategic approach to managing their goaltending depth, especially with the recent injury to Darcy Kuemper, who missed Wednesday's practice and is listed as day-to-day. Copley, a 33-year-old veteran, brings reliability and experience to the Kings' net, having previously played for the Kings, Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues. His performance with the Ontario Reign in the 2024-25 season was impressive, with a .904 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average in 42 appearances. The Kings' decision to re-acquire Copley suggests a preference for his veteran presence, especially with the development of Portillo, who is now back in the AHL. Copley's value was particularly evident in the 2022-23 season, where he provided stability during a challenging period for the franchise's iconic netminder, Jonathan Quick. The trade also opens up opportunities for Copley to step in if Kuemper's injury persists, as the Kings embark on a five-game road trip after their upcoming home game against Carolina.
