Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper has received medical clearance to return to play after recovering from a neck injury sustained during a match against the New York Rangers on March 5, 2024. The injury occurred in the first period when a collision left Kuemper unable to continue, as he described, “I got hit on the side of my neck, and it pinched my neck and pinched the nerves, and my arm went dead.” Following the incident, he underwent further testing to assess the severity of the injury.
Fortunately, Kuemper reported feeling significantly better the following day. Subsequent examinations confirmed his readiness for the Kings’ upcoming road trip, which will begin shortly. The 35-year-old goaltender is part of Canada’s Olympic roster, marking his first opportunity to compete at this level, and he is expected to serve as the third netminder behind Jordan Binnington and Thompson.
Performance and Impact Ahead of the Olympics
Kuemper’s performance this season has been notable, with a record of 12 wins, 9 losses, and 9 overtime losses, alongside a goals-against average of 2.52 and a save percentage of 0.904 in 32 games. His experience will be crucial for Canada, especially as the nation aims for a third consecutive gold medal in Olympic hockey.
Prior to this injury, Kuemper had already missed six games in December 2023 due to an upper-body injury suffered on December 15. His resilience and ability to bounce back are critical as he prepares for the Olympic tournament, which will feature elite competition from around the world.
In his absence during the recent match against the Rangers, teammate Anton Forsberg stepped in admirably, making 28 saves and helping secure a 4-3 victory for the Kings. This performance underscores the depth of the Kings’ roster and the importance of a strong goaltending unit as they head into the final stretch of the season.
The Kings and Kuemper now look forward to the Olympic Games, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce. With his return, the team is optimistic about their chances both in the NHL and on the Olympic stage.
