Darcy Kuemper Set to Start for Kings, Aims to Revitalize Career After Capitals Stint

Darcy Kuemper is slated to start in goal for the Los Angeles Kings at home against Boston on Friday, marking a significant opportunity following his offseason trade from the Capitals. With Washington, Kuemper posted a 35-40-10 record, 3.03 GAA, and .902 save percentage over 90 games across two seasons, a decline from his 2021-22 Stanley Cup-winning season with the Avalanche (37-12-4, 2.54 GAA, .921 SV%). The Kings' strong defensive structure is expected to help Kuemper regain his form and potentially secure another NHL contract. He previously signed a five-year, $26.25 million deal with Washington after leaving Colorado. Kuemper has a history of being an injury risk, including a lower-body injury that cost him over a month. His career has seen varied performance, from strong numbers with Arizona (16-11-2, 2.22 GAA, .928 SV%) to backing up in Minnesota.