Los Angeles Kings Waive Goaltender Pheonix Copley

Copley has yet to see NHL action this season after being traded back to the Kings earlier this month.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The Los Angeles Kings have placed goaltender Pheonix Copley on waivers. Copley has been shuffled around the league in October, being waived by the Kings, picked up by the Lightning, and then traded back to the Kings on October 15th. Despite these roster moves, Copley has not appeared in an NHL game so far this season.

Why it matters

Goaltending depth is crucial for NHL teams, and Copley's waiver designation indicates the Kings may be looking to make a change in their goaltending corps. Copley's inability to crack the NHL roster this season also raises questions about his future with the organization.

The details

Copley was first placed on waivers by the Kings on October 1st, then was picked up by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was then traded back to the Kings on October 15th for future considerations. Despite these roster moves, Copley has yet to appear in an NHL game this season. If he clears waivers this time, he will be assigned to the Kings' AHL affiliate in Ontario, California.

  • Copley was placed on waivers by the Kings on October 1, 2026.
  • Copley was picked up by the Tampa Bay Lightning after being waived on October 1.
  • Copley was traded back to the Kings on October 15, 2026.

The players

Pheonix Copley

A goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings who has been shuffled around the NHL this season without appearing in a game.

Los Angeles Kings

The NHL team that has placed Copley on waivers twice this month.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The NHL team that briefly claimed Copley off waivers from the Kings earlier this month.

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What’s next

If Copley clears waivers, he will be assigned to the Kings' AHL affiliate in Ontario, California.

The takeaway

Copley's waiver designation and lack of NHL playing time this season suggests the Kings may be looking to make changes to their goaltending depth chart. His future with the organization remains uncertain as he continues to be shuffled around the league.