The Los Angeles Kings have made a swift move, trading goaltender Pheonix Copley to the Tampa Bay Lightning just days after claiming him! But wait, there's a twist: the Lightning sent Copley back to the Kings less than two weeks later. What's the story behind this unexpected swap?
The Trade:
On October 15, 2025, the Kings announced they had acquired Copley from the Lightning in exchange for future considerations. This move came as a surprise, given the recent waiver claim. The Kings also loaned goaltender Erik Portillo to their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.
A Brief History:
Copley, a 33-year-old from North Pole, Alaska, had a solid 2024-25 season with the Reign, posting a 24-17-1 record in 42 games. He signed a one-year deal with the Kings in June 2025 but only played one game for them last season as a relief goalie. His NHL career includes 77 games with a 44-16-8 record and impressive stats.
The Waiver Claim:
The Lightning claimed Copley off waivers from the Kings on October 2nd, aiming to bolster their depth as starter Andrei Vasilevskiy recovered from an injury. But here's where it gets interesting: the Lightning's plans changed quickly.
The Return:
With Vasilevskiy ready for the season opener and a backup already in place, the Lightning's need for Copley diminished. The Kings happily welcomed him back, as he had been a dependable third-choice goalie, allowing prospect Portillo to develop gradually. Copley's impact was most significant during the 2022-23 season when he stepped up for the Kings, filling in for struggling goaltenders and helping stabilize the team.
Looking Ahead:
The Kings' recent acquisition of Joonas Korpisalo and their decision to send Portillo back to the AHL suggest they value experienced backups. With Darcy Kuemper nursing a lower-body injury, Copley's return could be crucial for the upcoming road trip.
This trade saga raises questions: Was the initial waiver claim a strategic move by the Kings? Did the Lightning change their plans too quickly? What does this mean for the Kings' goaltending depth? Share your thoughts on this intriguing NHL transaction!
