Kuemper was 13-14-3 with a 3.31 goals-against average, .890 save percentage and one shutout in 33 games (30 starts) for the Capitals this season. The 34-year-old was the backup to Charlie Lindgren when Washington (40-31-11) was swept in four straight games by the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference First Round.
This will be Kuemper’s second stint with Los Angeles; he went 10-1-3 with a 2.10 GAA and .932 save percentage in 19 games (15 starts) during the 2017-18 season. He is expected to work in a tandem with David Rittich next season.
“I think the goaltender in return, obviously with Darcy, familiarity with him, our goalie department understanding him and having a relationship with him,” Blake said. “I think the duo with him and David can help stabilize that position here for a few years, which continues our growth with (Erik) Portillo in the American (Hockey) League. We saw some good things out of him this year, but we also project two, three years down the road, and so I think that helps solve an issue here for us.”
Selected by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round (No. 161) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Kuemper is 178-135-46 with a 2.61 GAA, .914 save percentage and 31 shutouts in 389 games (368 starts) with the Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, Kings and Wild. He is 17-10 with a 2.72 GAA, .908 save percentage and two shutouts in 34 playoff games (30 starts).
Kuemper has three seasons remaining on a five-year, $26.25 million contract ($5.25 million AAV) he signed with Washington on July 13, 2022.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. “This acquisition brings in a talented 25-year-old with immense potential to become a top-tier center in the NHL. With his size, exceptional skating, and high hockey IQ, we are confident he will thrive in our organization with increased responsibility and opportunity.
“We also thank Darcy for his valuable contributions to our organization on and off the ice and wish him the best in Los Angeles. After witnessing Charlie Lindgren’s performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team.”
NHL.com independent correspondent Dan Greenspan contributed to this report
