Full Breakdown
Tampa Bay Lightning Strengthen Goaltending Depth by Claiming Pheonix Copley
10/3/2025, 2:56:53 PM
Claiming Pheonix Copley Off Waivers
The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed goaltender Pheonix Copley off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings, as announced by Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois. Copley, 33, adds veteran experience to the Lightning's goaltending roster, particularly as starter Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to recover from an undisclosed injury. Copley spent the majority of the previous season with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he recorded a 24-17-1 record, a .904 save percentage, and a 2.49 goals-against average over 42 games.
Copley has played 77 career NHL games, achieving a 44-16-8 record, with an .898 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average. His most notable season came in 2022-23, where he posted a 24-6-3 record with the Kings. However, injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons, making this claim a strategic move for the Lightning as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Impact on the Lightning's Goaltending Situation
Copley's addition is particularly significant given Vasilevskiy's injury history and the inconsistent performance of backup Jonas Johansson, who has struggled with an .893 save percentage over the past two seasons. Copley’s presence may provide the Lightning with a more stable backup option, allowing Vasilevskiy to manage his workload more effectively throughout the season.
The Lightning's decision to claim Copley comes as they aim to solidify their goaltending depth ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. With Copley on board, the team can explore various lineup configurations, including the possibility of carrying three goaltenders to start the season.
Official Statements & Responses
General Manager Julien BriseBois emphasized the importance of depth in net, stating, “Pheonix brings a wealth of experience and skill that will be invaluable as we navigate the season.” The Lightning organization is optimistic about Copley's potential contributions, especially if he can regain the form he displayed during his best season with the Kings.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised concerns regarding Copley's recent injury history, questioning whether he can consistently perform at an NHL level. Critics argue that relying on a goaltender with a history of injuries could pose risks for the Lightning, particularly if Vasilevskiy is unable to maintain his health throughout the season.
What's Next
The Lightning are set to begin their regular season on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators. As they finalize their roster, the team will continue to evaluate Copley's performance in training camp and preseason games. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Copley to establish his role and for the Lightning to assess their goaltending strategy moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a big stress on your body, but if you’re smart about it and keep your body healthy throughout the season, you can play as many games as you want.” — Andrei Vasilevskiy, Goaltender
The Lightning's acquisition of Pheonix Copley reflects their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the NHL, particularly in the face of injury challenges. As the team prepares for the season, Copley's performance will be closely monitored as they aim for another successful campaign.
