How The Kings-Capitals Swap Has Solidified The Crease

Darcy Kuemper has had a tumultuous few seasons. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche as their starting goaltender, he ended up with the Washington Capitals. At the time, it seemed like one of the best goalie free agency signings in recent memory.

However, things have changed dramatically. Kuemper was signed to a five-year deal with a $5.25 million average annual value (AAV), but he wouldn't see the contract through with the Capitals. During his tenure there, especially in his second season, he lost his starting position to his backup, Charlie Lindgren. Ultimately, Kuemper was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in the most noteworthy move of the offseason, in a swap for Pierre-Luc Dubois.

This trade was significant for both teams, but the Dubois acquisition has been viewed as one of Rob Blake's worst moves during his tenure as general manager. Blake rebounded from such losses by securing a netminder to alleviate his goaltending situation. The prior year, the Kings took a chance on budget goaltender Cam Talbot, whose play for the Kings revitalized his career.

Talbot became the best penalty-killing goaltender in the league during the 2023-24 season, posting a remarkable 10.6 Goals Saved Above Expected (via Moneypuck.com). His statistics also rebounded significantly from a poor season in Ottawa, improving from a .898 save percentage (SV%) to .913 and from a 2.93 goals against average (GAA) to 2.50. This upward trend has continued in Detroit, where he has produced a .914 SV% this season.

In contrast, Kuemper joined the Kings through a trade and with a contract that still has term. Unlike Talbot, who had a 'show-me' contract season that he earned with Detroit ($2.5 million compared to the $1 million he made with LA), Kuemper will be on the books for the Kings until the 2026-27 season, under the same contract he signed with Washington.

In his first ten games with Los Angeles, Kuemper's performance did not inspire much confidence in the team's goaltending. He managed to steal a win in Buffalo, finishing with a 4-2-3 record, a .899 SV%, and a 2.65 GAA. Then his injury raised concerns about the Kings' situation in the crease.

Since his return from injury, Kuemper has been exceptional, recording a 4-0-2 record, a .924 save percentage, and a 1.99 goals-against average. While playing behind the league's top defensive team certainly helps boost goaltending statistics, Kuemper's numbers clearly reflect his overall performance. Things are looking promising for both him and the Kings, who are currently on a noteworthy run of play.

Kuemper has started to secure his role as the starting goaltender, with the capable David Rittich ready to support when needed. He has come a long way after two challenging seasons in Washington, where he lost his starting job.

At the beginning of the year, it seemed that the starting role was uncertain; despite the substantial difference in salaries between Kuemper and Rittich, who made a case for contention. However, since Kuemper's return from injury, the starting position has clearly belonged to him.

While Kuemper won't start against his former team, it is a moment to reflect on the trade that brought him to Los Angeles. Both teams have fared well since the swap, exceeding expectations for both clubs.

Kuemper struggled in Washington but is now experiencing a similar reboot that revitalized Talbot’s career. Meanwhile, Dubois has rediscovered his scoring touch, making the trade a win for both sides so far.