Darcy Kuemper Injury Update
Darcy Kuemper injury update lists the Kings goalie as day-to-day with an upper-body issue after exiting Monday's Dallas loss, no firm timeline but back-to-back looms large. @LAKingsPR confirmed on X that goaltender Darcy Kuemper won’t return to the game due to an upper-body injury. Straight from the team's PR, nailing down the immediate exit after that Stars collision.
Darcy Kuemper landed on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury a head hit from Stars' Mikko Rantanen missing at least a week including the road trip at Florida on Wednesday night.
Kuemper’s injury comes right before the road trip at Florida on Wednesday night, where the Kings will be without their No. 1 goalie. That matchup will test LA’s depth between the pipes, especially with Copley likely to get a turn and Forsberg already in the net last game.
Every team would rather roll with its starter, but the Kings now face a stretch where their goaltending situation could swing tight games. It isn’t clear when Kuemper will be reactivated, but the road trip especially in Florida’s fast, aggressive environment will be a real early indicator of how they cope.
What Happened to Darcy Kuemper?
Darcy Kuemper collided with Stars forward Mikko Rantanen late first period, taking elbow to head/neck area and ruled out remainder. @GinoHard_ reported on X that Darcy Kuemper left the game after being bumped into by Mikko Rantanen, with no call on the play beyond Dallas' goal being waved off. Captures the raw crease moment that sidelined the Kings netminder mid-period.
Rantanen drives net, bumps Kuemper amid Dumoulin screen. Goalie down minutes, skates off under power after five saves. Johnston's follow-up waved off interference small mercy. Kings PR confirms upper-body, no return. Reminds those crease scrums where tenders eat contact; Kuemper's battled worse, like playoff wars. Stayed composed pre-exit, but tone shifted hard.
What is the Game Outcome?
Kings fell 4-1 to Stars, with DeSmith's 27 saves and Rantanen's goal-assist duo sealing rally. Kuzmenko's power-play snipe opened 1-0, Duchene ties late second. Rantanen rips third-period dagger, Johnston empties netter. Kings shorthanded sans Byfield-Danault illness, power play flops at 14.7% league-worst. Forsberg solid 17 stops relief, but defensive lapses piled. Three losses snowball; Stars climb Central.
Disclaimer:
Darcy Kuemper injury details current as of Dec 16, 2025 upper body status subject to Kings/NHL updates.Check nhl.com/kings or beat reports for practice notes, game decisions.Game recaps/outlooks from recent reports; recovery varies.
