Los Angeles Kings goaltender linked to Team Canada

On By Littum

With the 4 Nations Face-Off fast approaching, international teams are scrambling to find the best fits for their lineup, and the Los Angeles Kings may have a sleeper on their roster. Team Canada has an open competition for their goalie spots, and Kings netminder Darcy Kuemper has emerged as an option.

Pierre LeBrun in Athletic linked the Kings goaltender to Team Canada, noting that Kuemper is in for a bit of a breakout season.

“Kuemper embraces his opportunity,” LeBrun writes. “A bounce-back year could also throw him into the mix of a wide-open Team Canada goalie battle for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.”

Kuemper has already battled an injury this season, but a full return to health and setting the Kings up for success could put the Saskatoon native in the conversation.

In four games played so far this year, Kuemper has a 2-0-2 record with a .897 save percentage and 3.20 goals against average. Those numbers seem a little out of whack, but that’s thanks to the Kings leaving him out in an 8-7 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club.

Except for that one game, Kuemper has been at the top of his game. In the other three games, he has yet to allow more than a couple of goals.

At 34, Kuemper is on the older side of the goaltending discussion, but he’s showing his worth in his second career with the Kings.

Kuemper has played in 393 career NHL games between the Kings, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche and Washington Capitals. He played one season in Colorado and stopped the Avalanche for a Stanley Cup.

With a career record of 180-135-48, Kuemper is ready to put his name among those being scouted for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“I haven’t really put a lot of thought into it,” Kuemper told LeBrun. “It would of course be very special to represent your country. Right now I’m just trying to focus on the LA Kings. If something like that were to happen, it would just be a bonus.”

Team Canada has never seen anything like a goaltending crop leading into an international tournament. Kuemper is an unexpected option, but could be a big name in the race.

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