Darcy Kuemper, 35, originally signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings in the 2017-18 season. As a backup at the time, he excelled–posting a 10-1-3 record and a .932 save percentage over 19 games, before being traded mid-season to Arizona. 

On June 19, 2024, LA reacquired Kuemper from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois. This trade followed a stretch where Kuemper struggled to fit with the team and got limited playing time, finishing his final season with the Caps with a disappointing 13-14 record. 

2024-25 Season Recap

Kuemper played in 50 games with a dominant 31-11-7 record. His 2.02 goals-against average ranked second in the NHL, and his .922 save percentage ranked third-best in the league. He also tied his career-high for shutouts with five.

The turnaround he had last season in turning his career around nominated him as a finalist for the 2024-25 Vezina trophy, alongside Conor Hellebuyck and Andrei Vasilevskiy. 

His play on the ice last season makes him a vital piece for the Kings and a key reason as to why LA can be title contenders with him protecting the goal at a high level. 

Expectations for the 2025-26 Season 

With his return, there is optimism that Kuemper will again become the Kings' reliable No. 1 in the crease. 

Durability will be an issue — he suffered from lower-body afflictions early in the season, giving David Rittich extended stretches of duty during those times. But, after losing Rittich to the Islanders, the Kings will be short in their Goaltender depth chart and will have to rely on a couple of new names the Kings picked up this offseason.

Kuemper's experience, particularly with playoff hockey, will come in handy for a Kings roster that has a collection of youth and veterans under its belt.