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LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Darcy Kuemper

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty | By Kyle Garcia | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 3:30 PM ET

With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Darcy Kuemper!

Darcy Kuemper

Birthdate: May 5, 1990

Birthplace: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Height: 6’5

Weight: 216 lbs

Position: Goalie

Catches: Left

Draft: 6th round, 161st overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft

2024-25 season

Darcy Kuemper was acquired in a 1-for-1 trade with the Washington Capitals for Pierre-Luc Dubois and had a great bounce-back season to begin his second stint in Los Angeles. Acquiring Kuemper gave the Kings their starting goalie heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Despite missing time with two separate injuries, Kuemper posted a 31-11-7 record, a 2.02 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage, and five shutouts in 50 games.

We have acquired goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Full Release https://t.co/LvPZOQs7GX #GoKingsGo | @Enterprise pic.twitter.com/j0Mana5Mc8

— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 19, 2024

His advanced numbers improved as well. According to the MoneyPuck website, Kuemper finished sixth in both Goals Save Above Expected and Goals Save Above Expected at 5v5. If you go to Natural Stat Trick, his save percentage (.934) and high-danger save percentage (.865) were both top five among goalies with at least 600 minutes of ice time. His save percentage (.891) and high-danger save percentage (.868) on the penalty kill were also top five for goalies of at least 100 minutes shorthanded.

DARCY KUEMPER pic.twitter.com/EagSgkUm8A

— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 8, 2025

ROBBERY pic.twitter.com/Jz9ZILavcq

— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 30, 2025

Playing in a Kings’ defensive-first system designed to create a goalie-friendly environment and posting great numbers led to him being named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. The award would be won by Connor Hellebuyck, receiving 31 of 32 first-place votes. The Kings had question marks in net entering the season and Kuemper’s play put them to rest. Kuemper posted a 3.74 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage in six playoff starts against the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor Hellebuyck, Darcy Kuemper, and Andrei Vasilevskiy are your Vezina Trophy finalists! #NHLAwards

The Vezina Trophy is awarded every year “to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position”. pic.twitter.com/q2ssOI7egJ

— NHL (@NHL) April 28, 2025

2025-26 outlook

Kuemper will be 35 heading into the season with two years remaining on his deal. While he had a remarkable first season back in a black and white uniform, Kuemper’s age, lower-body injury history, and ability to replicate last year’s numbers are valid concerns. However, if Kuemper can continue last year’s success, or at least come close to it, that bodes well for the Kings. Barring any injuries, expect him to be the starting goalie for the Kings on opening night against the Colorado Avalanche.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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