There’s a reason the Kings value Pheonix Copley so much, and it’s largely for moments just like this.
Tuesday morning, LA recalled the veteran netminder from AHL Ontario. It’s a move necessitated by a subsequent transaction that placed Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve. The latter has been the team’s clearcut MVP in 2025-26 — building strongly upon his Vezina Trophy nomination last year. Kuemper holds a .917 save percentage thus far this season, along with a 10-6-6 record. He’s also receiving strong consideration for Team Canada’s upcoming Olympics roster.
However, he was knocked out of Monday’s game late in the opening period, following a collision with Mikko Rantanen. Kuemper will now at least miss the team’s next two games and then we’ll see where things go from there.
Anton Forsberg came on in relief of Kuemper last night. He would be expected to now start at least one of the remaining games on LA’s current road trip; getting the nod against either Florida or Tampa Bay.
Ironically enough, Copley was claimed on waivers by the Lightning earlier this season — only to have the Kings make a later trade with Tampa to get him back, when… yes, Kuemper was injured.
Confused yet? Here’s a quick primer:
Copley never actually played a game for the Lightning during his time there in October. Even so, what a weird twist of fate it would be if he actually starts against them on Thursday (in what would be his Kings season debut).
The 33-year-old Alaska native has had multiple tenures with the Kings over the past few years, yet his action this season has been via 13 starts for the Reign — where he recently moved from the backup to Ontario’s No. 1 guy when Kings prospect Erik Portillo went down with an injury in mid-November.
After getting off to a rather slow beginning to this year, Copley has now won his last three starts, and five of his last six.
With Portillo still not available due to injury, Mayor’s Manor has confirmed the Reign will recall goaltender Mattias Sholl from ECHL Greenville. He’s a first-year pro, having played at Bemidji State University for the past four seasons. This year, he has a .926 save percentage through 12 games with the Swamp Rabbits. He’s expected to backup Isaiah Saville when the Reign play Wednesday at Bakersfield.
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