Darcy Kuemper Returns as Kings Activate Him from Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Kings have activated goaltender Darcy Kuemper from injured reserve. This announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant moment for both Kuemper and the team.
Roster Changes and Details
As part of their roster transactions, the Kings also announced that goaltender Pheonix Copley has been loaned to the Ontario Reign, the franchise’s AHL affiliate. This move allows Kuemper to rejoin the active roster as the team prepares for upcoming games.
Kuemper’s Injury and Performance
Darcy Kuemper has been sidelined since December 15, when he suffered an injury after being collided with by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen. Following the incident, Kuemper was unable to return to the game, leading to his placement on injured reserve the next day.
This season, Kuemper has appeared in 23 games, boasting a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 6 overtime losses, along with a .917 save percentage. He has recorded two shutouts and has a goals saved above expected rate of 16, ranking seventh in the National Hockey League.
Career Highlights
Currently in his 14th NHL season, Kuemper has played for multiple teams, including the Kings, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, and Minnesota Wild. In his 462 career regular-season NHL games, he has achieved a record of 219 wins, 152 losses, and 59 overtime losses, with a .915 save percentage and 38 shutouts.
Kuemper also has playoff experience, appearing in 40 postseason games where he holds a record of 19 wins and 14 losses, along with a .904 save percentage. He was a key player in the Avalanche’s victory in the 2022 Stanley Cup championship.
Early Career
- Drafted in the sixth round by the Minnesota Wild in 2009.
- Spent parts of six seasons in the AHL, achieving a record of 30-29-4 and a .925 save percentage in 67 games.
- During junior hockey, Kuemper played three seasons in the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels, recording a 94-60-17 record and a .914 save percentage.
Current Team Status
The Kings currently hold a record of 16 wins, 13 losses, and 9 overtime losses, accumulating 41 points in the 2025-26 season. They rank fourth in the Pacific Division and seventh in the Western Conference. As of Tuesday, they sit in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
