The Los Angeles Kings have made some strategic roster moves, announcing the recall of goaltender Pheonix Copley from the AHL’s Ontario Reign. This decision coincides with placing forward Kevin Fiala on the injured reserve list, a move that was anticipated given recent events.
Copley’s return to the Kings is likely a tactical choice as the team prepares for their upcoming games. With their primary goalie, Darcy Kuemper, competing for Team Canada in the Olympics and securing at least a Bronze Medal game appearance, Copley’s presence provides valuable depth.
While Copley had a brief tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he's been a familiar face in Los Angeles for the past four years, spending significant time with the AHL affiliate. This season, he’s posted a 13-11-0 record with a .890 save percentage and a 2.95 goals-against average in 24 games for the Reign.
On the other hand, Fiala’s move to the injured reserve was a necessary step following his unfortunate injuries during the Olympics. Representing Team Switzerland, Fiala sustained multiple leg fractures in a game against Canada, requiring immediate surgery and ending his 2025-26 season prematurely. The Kings opted against placing him on long-term injured reserve due to their comfortable cap space situation.
Fiala’s absence is a significant blow to the Kings’ offensive lineup, and it’s expected to influence their strategy as the trade deadline approaches. They had previously bolstered their roster with the acquisition of high-scoring winger Artemi Panarin before the Olympics, but Fiala’s injury creates a pressing need for additional scoring power. As Los Angeles looks to strengthen their playoff push, fans can anticipate further moves to enhance their goal-scoring capabilities.