In the fast-paced drama of NHL roster moves, few stories pack the punch of a whirlwind reunion like this one—imagine losing a key player only to snatch them back within days! This tale of Pheonix Copley, the reliable netminder, bouncing back to the Los Angeles Kings from the Tampa Bay Lightning, highlights the unpredictable nature of waivers and trades. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this a savvy reclaim or a sign of the Kings' initial misstep in letting a steady veteran slip away? Stick around as we break it all down, and you might just question how teams really value their backup goalies.
The Los Angeles Kings have officially brought back goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning, trading nothing more than some future considerations in return, as both teams confirmed on Wednesday. For those new to hockey lingo, waivers are a way for teams to shed players without compensation, but it can backfire if another team swoops in—much like a hot potato at a party that everyone wants to pass on but no one wants to drop. In this case, the Kings' AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign (that's the @ontarioreign on Twitter), also received a loan of goaltender Erik Portillo, adding another layer to the Kings' goaltending puzzle.
You can check out the official announcement right here from the Kings' PR team (@LAKingsPR), posted on October 15, 2025: "The @LAKings have acquired goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for future considerations. Additionally, goaltender Erik Portillo has been loaned to the @ontarioreign, the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. 📰:https://t.co/drwGtM4uIx pic.twitter.com/3zI6fshqP3" It's a classic example of how NHL front offices juggle depth players to balance their rosters.
To recap the backstory, Copley had been plucked off waivers by the Lightning from the Kings just on October 2. This 33-year-old from North Pole, Alaska—a place that literally embodies 'cool under pressure'—had spent the bulk of the 2024-25 season with the Ontario Reign in the AHL. There, he racked up an impressive 24 wins, 17 losses, and 1 tie in 42 games, boasting a solid .904 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average (GAA). For beginners, save percentage measures how often he stops shots, and GAA tracks goals allowed per game—lower is better, like aiming for a perfect score in a test. He only suited up for one NHL game with the Kings last season, coming in as a relief pitcher... er, goalie.
Copley inked a one-year deal worth $775,000 with Los Angeles back on June 16. Over his NHL career, spanning 77 games with the Kings, Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues, he's posted a 44-16-8 record, a 2.84 GAA, and a .898 save percentage. Think of him as that dependable friend who's always ready to step up when called, even if not the star of the show.
Right after regaining Copley, the Kings decided to send young netminder Erik Portillo back down to the Reign, showing how they're prioritizing experience over immediate development in a pinch.
Now, let's unpack what this all really means for the Kings. Reclaiming Copley screams that the Kings never intended to part with him permanently—it's a clear indicator that their waiver move was a calculated risk, perhaps to test the waters or hide him from bigger fish. And this is the part most people miss: Waiver claims like this often hinge on a team's immediate needs, such as when Tampa Bay snatched Copley to bolster their depth while star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was sidelined with an injury during training camp. But once Vasilevskiy returned for their season opener against Ottawa, and with backup Jonas Johansson already entrenched, Copley suddenly became surplus. The Kings, always the opportunists, jumped at the chance to welcome back this 33-year-old vet. He's proven to be a rock-solid No. 3 option, allowing promising youngster Portillo to grow steadily without the pressure of NHL spotlights.
Copley's importance to L.A. shone brightest during the 2022-23 season. When legendary netminder Jonathan Quick faltered and Cal Petersen wobbled despite a 5-3-2 record, Copley stepped in to steady the ship. His advanced stats might not have dazzled (those fancy metrics can sometimes overcomplicate things), but his straightforward results—a 24-6-3 mark with a 2.64 GAA and .903 save percentage—kept the Kings afloat and on track for the playoffs. Ultimately, they brought in Joonas Korpisalo and relied on him against Edmonton, but Copley's role was pivotal, like the unsung hero in a team sport.
And here's another angle that could stir debate: By trading for Korpisalo then and now prioritizing Copley as a veteran backup to Anton Forsberg while Darcy Kuemper nurses a lower-body injury, are the Kings undervaluing young talent like Portillo? Kuemper skipped practice on Wednesday and is day-to-day, so Forsberg is likely slated to start Thursday's game against Pittsburgh. With a challenging five-game road trip looming after their home clash with Carolina, Copley might just be the insurance policy if Kuemper can't make the journey. — Eric Stephens, Oct 15, 2025
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Speaking of which, do you think the Kings made the right call by reclaiming Copley so quickly, or should they have let the process play out for potential bigger returns? Is relying on a veteran like him over developing Portillo a smart long-term strategy, or does it stifle young growth? Sound off in the comments—I'm curious to hear your takes and spark some debate on NHL management tactics!
