Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

LA Kings put G Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve after head hit from Stars’ Rantanen

LA Kings put G Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve after head hit from Stars' Rantanen | iNFOnews.ca
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) is tended by a trainer after colliding on a play against Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen during the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Goalie Darcy Kuemper was placed on injured reserve by the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday after taking a hit to the head during their loss at Dallas.

The Kings made the move one day after Kuemper left in the first period following a significant hit from Stars forward Mikko Rantanen, who wasn’t penalized on the play.

Los Angeles recalled goalie Pheonix Copley from its AHL affiliate to back up Anton Forsberg during Kuemper’s absence.

Kuemper is 10-6-6 with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in another standout season for the Kings, who reacquired him in a trade in June 2024.

The 35-year-old netminder backstopped Colorado to a Stanley Cup title in 2022, and he was a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time last season after leading the Kings into the playoffs. His continued strong play this season has pushed him into the discussion for Canada’s Olympic roster in February.

Kuemper will miss at least the next week for the Kings, who continue their road trip at Florida on Wednesday night. Los Angeles has lost three straight games to fall to 14-9-9.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

LA Kings put G Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve after head hit from Stars' Rantanen | iNFOnews.ca
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) leaves the ice while goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) relieves him during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles