Los Angeles Kings Adjust Roster Amid Kuemper’s Injury

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that goaltender Darcy Kuemper is considered day-to-day following an undisclosed injury. This development has prompted the Kings to recall goaltender Pheonix Copley from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Ontario Reign.

In light of Kuemper’s absence, David Rittich will assume the role of starting goaltender as the Kings face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. “David Rittich will start tonight in Toronto, with Copley backing up,” confirmed Jim Hiller, head coach of the Kings. This was echoed by journalist Zach Dooley via his official Twitter handle (@DooleyLAK).

Kuemper, who joined the Kings in a trade deal involving Pierre-Luc Dubois, has started in three games this season. Over these appearances, he has maintained a 3.59 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage. His acquisition was a strategic move by the Kings, following a season with the Washington Capitals where Kuemper recorded a 13-14-3 record, a .890 save percentage, one shutout, and -1.73 goals saved above expected. Kuemper is currently in the third year of a five-year contract carrying a $5.25 million cap hit.

Pheonix Copley, before his recall, had played in 40 games over the past two seasons with the Kings, achieving a 28-7-5 record, a .887 save percentage, a 2.90 goals-against average, and two shutouts. Notably, in the 2022-23 season, he held a 24-6-3 record with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

Throughout his NHL career, Copley has participated in 76 regular-season games, maintaining a 44-16-8 record, a 2.83 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage, and three shutouts. Prior to his tenure with the Kings, Copley spent eight seasons with the Washington Capitals and the St. Louis Blues. Not initially drafted, Copley signed with Washington in 2014.