Kyle Garcia 
The holidays have arrived, and so has the injury bug for the LA Kings. The Kings, already without Vladislav Gavrikov, who is week-to-week, may have been dealt another injury on Friday afternoon.
Pheonix Copley left practice early today due to an injury.
He had to be helped off the ice by the training staff.
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) December 15, 2023
Goaltender Pheonix Copley left Friday’s practice early and didn’t return. With the Kings leaving for Seattle to take on the Kraken tomorrow night, they needed to make a move to have a backup netminder for tomorrow’s matchup. That move came from within shortly after.
Kings were scheduled to depart for Seattle shortly after practice today.
With Copley leaving practice early due to injury, expect David Rittich to be called up and serve as the LA backup.
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) December 15, 2023
David Rittich has been called up to the Kings, per the AHL transaction log. #GoKingsGo
— Kyle Garcia (@Kopitar4HOF) December 15, 2023
That move ended up being David Rittich, who was called up and will most likely serve as the backup netminder for tomorrow. While Rittich hasn’t been lights out in the AHL, Erik Portillo isn’t ready to see NHL action yet and still needs to improve his positioning and rebound control, and it’s best he does that in the AHL.
While Rittich will be in the NHL for tomorrow night, it’s unclear how long Copley’s absence will be.
David Rittich will join the Kings on an emergency recall. Vladislav Gavrikov will be placed on IR.
Doesn’t change Gavy’s status, still week-to-week. IR is a minimum of 7 days, so no additional concern there. https://t.co/lRnDsofEjb
— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) December 15, 2023
Featured image credit: Mike Zitek/Ontario Reign
Richbich was good early season in the AHL.
He fell of some.
Copley has not been good enough to get Talbot the trst he needs and I think Cam is tired.
If Rittich can kick it up a notch he can steal Copleys spot.