Darcy Kuemper’s first time playing with the Los Angeles Kings lasted less than one season. Both sides are hoping this second stint lasts longer.
The experienced goalie was traded from the Washington Capitals to the Kings on Wednesday in exchange for forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. This trade involved swapping high-priced players who hadn’t met expectations.
During his 12-year career in the NHL, Kuemper has played for five different teams, including the Kings. He joined Los Angeles as a free agent in 2017 and performed well as a backup to Jonathan Quick, posting a 10-1-3 record with a 2.10 goals-against average in 19 games (15 starts). However, he was traded to Arizona near the trade deadline in 2018.
Reflecting on his return to Los Angeles, Kuemper expressed excitement to reunite with the organization, his former teammates, and the goalie coaching staff led by Bill Ranford.
He looks forward to contributing to the team’s success and helping them secure victories.
Kuemper learned about the trade from his wife on Wednesday afternoon. Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, he and David Rittich are expected to be the Kings’ goaltenders, as Cam Talbot, who started 57 games last year, is not expected to return according to team president and general manager Rob Blake.
The Kings’ management hopes Kuemper can replicate the performance that earned him a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2021-22 season. Kuemper still has three seasons remaining on a five-year, $26.25 million contract he signed with Washington in 2022.
His time with the Capitals saw him serve as backup to Charlie Lindgren, playing in 33 games with 30 starts and posting a 13-14-3 record, a 3.31 goals-against average, and one shutout.
