LA Kings Trade for Veteran Goalie From Eastern Conference Team

Earlier in the 2025/26 season, the Los Angeles Kings waived goaltender Pheonix Copley in the hopes that he would pass through and find his way back to the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League.

Neither the Kings nor the Lightning needed Copley on their NHL roster, but as an insurance policy, he's one of the most steady and reliable third string goaltenders in the entire league.

Now, just two weeks after the Lightning claimed the 33-year old, he's officially been traded back to the West and the Kings, according to a social media announcement from the Lightning.

Unsurprisingly, the return in this situation is 'future considerations', and considering that Tampa Bay landed Copley for free on waivers, this was always going to be what happened, as the team were likely prepared to waive him themselves.

Last season with the Reign, Copley posted a 2.49 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 45 games played, and while his NHL future is unlikely, if he can keep performing down there, he will always have a solid role in the Kings organization.

Now, Copley will return to the Kings and likely rejoin the Reign in the AHL, with the Kings already having three goaltenders on the NHL roster, and while he may not see the NHL this season, this is yet again a fantastic pickup for LA who need that insurance in case of injury.