Darcy Kuemper: A Second Chance in Los Angeles
Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been a cornerstone for the team this season, and his journey back to Los Angeles is a story of perseverance and opportunity. On January 4, Kuemper made a dazzling glove save against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a moment that highlighted his importance to the Kings’ success. His journey to this point, however, is one of the most compelling in the NHL.
A Promising Start, Limited Playing Time
When Kuemper first joined the Kings, he showed promise but saw limited ice time. As the backup to Jonathan Quick, who became the winningest American-born goalie in NHL history, Kuemper’s role was relegated to the sidelines. In the half-season he spent in L.A., he lost only once in regulation in 15 starts, posting better save percentage and goals-against average than Quick. Despite his strong performance, he was not going to unseat Quick as the starter.
A Career-Redefining Trade
Faced with the reality of limited playing time, Kuemper, then 27, was traded to Arizona with 22 games left in the 2017-18 season. The move was orchestrated by Rob Blake, then the Kings’ first-year general manager, who saw the potential in Kuemper and recognized the need to provide him with more opportunities. Kuemper expressed his gratitude for the move, saying, "Blake met with me and I was like ‘I don’t want to leave but I want to play more. I want to be a No. 1 in this league.’ So the trade happened."
Flourishing in Arizona
In Arizona, Kuemper seized the opportunity with both hands. He signed a two-year, $3.7 million extension and became the Coyotes’ No. 1 goalie. His performance was stellar, earning him a fifth-place finish in Vezina Trophy voting, which is awarded to the NHL’s top goaltender. Kuemper credits the move for redefining his career, saying, "I’m forever grateful for him providing me with that opportunity. He definitely didn’t have to."
Return to the Kings
Now 35, Kuemper has returned to the Kings in a trade that also saw the team rid itself of underperforming and overpaid center Pierre-Luc Dubois. Since rejoining the team, Kuemper has been nothing short of outstanding. He boasts a .919 save percentage, ranking third in the NHL among goalies with at least 30 starts, and his 2.19 goals-against average (GAA) is second. Coach Jim Hiller has praised Kuemper’s consistency, calling him the backbone of the team. "He’s just been very, very consistent. That’s really what you want in a goaltender: just to be pretty consistent," Hiller said.
Building a Strong Foundation
Kuemper’s return to the Kings has transformed a position that was a question mark at the end of last season into a strength. His familiarity with the organization and the system, along with the confidence the Kings showed by bringing him back after two poor seasons, have contributed to his success. Bill Ranford, the Kings’ director of goaltending, played a pivotal role in bringing Kuemper back. "The numbers that he had the first time around were very good," Ranford said. "He knew our system, the way we like to play. He’s familiar with the organization. It made for a little bit more seamless transition."
Embracing the Present
Kuemper’s journey has been marked by adaptability and a return to enjoying the game. After learning of the trade from his wife, Sydney, while in the shower, he embraced the opportunity with an open mind. Goalie coach Mike Buckley’s immediate support and suggestions helped Kuemper make the necessary adjustments. "Credit to him for being open-minded," Buckley said. Kuemper’s approach has been to play more freely and enjoy the moment, a mindset that has paid dividends. "A big part of it too is just getting back to having fun," Buckley added. "Taking that pressure off and enjoying what you do. Being present in the moment."
A Bright Future
Kuemper’s return to Los Angeles, a place he never wanted to leave, has been a mutually beneficial move. The birth of his second child, a boy named Barrett, this month has added another layer of happiness to his life. "A lot of time it takes a trade or something. I’m very fortunate that I was able to get that chance," Kuemper said. He and the Kings are making the most of it, and his story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of resilience and opportunity in professional sports. This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
