Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of hockey trades and uncover the story behind the Los Angeles Kings' recent move!
The Kings' Goalie Shuffle: A Tale of Waivers and Returns
In a surprising turn of events, the LA Kings have welcomed back goaltender Pheonix Copley, just weeks after losing him to the Tampa Bay Lightning. But here's where it gets controversial: the Kings never intended to let him go in the first place!
Copley, a 33-year-old veteran from Alaska, had an impressive season with the Kings' AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. His stats speak for themselves: a 24-17-1 record, a solid save percentage, and a goals-against average that kept the team competitive. So, why did the Kings let him go, you ask? Well, it all comes down to timing and depth.
The Kings tried to sneak Copley through waivers, but the Lightning claimed him to bolster their depth as their starter, Andrei Vasilevskiy, recovered from an injury. However, once Vasilevskiy was back and their backup, Jonas Johansson, was in place, Copley became surplus to requirements for Tampa Bay.
And this is the part most people miss: the Kings never wanted to lose Copley. His value to the team was evident during the 2022-23 season when he stepped up and stabilized the crease, helping the Kings stay afloat. With Jonathan Quick struggling and Cal Petersen inconsistent, Copley's steady presence was a game-changer.
So, why bring him back now? Well, the Kings have loaned their young netminder, Erik Portillo, to the Ontario Reign, indicating a preference for an experienced backup. With Darcy Kuemper dealing with a lower-body injury, the Kings might need a reliable veteran like Copley to step in. Anton Forsberg is expected to start in the short term, but Copley could be the wildcard if Kuemper's injury persists.
The Kings' move to acquire Copley again highlights their commitment to a balanced and experienced roster. It's a strategic decision that could pay dividends as they navigate a challenging season.
What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Kings? Or are they overvaluing the importance of a veteran backup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing trade!
