Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Darcy Kuemper

Discover the career path of Darcy Kuemper, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Darcy Kuemper is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2009, Kuemper has played for multiple NHL teams, including the Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals. His career highlight includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Played for Saskatoon Contacts

In 2005, Darcy Kuemper played for the Saskatoon Contacts in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL).

2005: Selected by Spokane Chiefs in WHL Bantam Draft

In 2005, Darcy Kuemper was selected 45th overall by the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft.

December 13, 2007: Traded to Red Deer Rebels

On December 13, 2007, Spokane traded Darcy Kuemper to the Red Deer Rebels for a conditional selection in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.

2008: WHL Debut with Red Deer Rebels

During the 2008 season, Darcy Kuemper began playing in the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels, initially as a backup goaltender.

2008: SMAAAHL Championship Game

In 2008, Darcy Kuemper and the Blazers reached the SMAAAHL championship game but lost to the Notre Dame Hounds.

2009: Drafted by Minnesota Wild

In 2009, Darcy Kuemper was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round, 161st overall, of the NHL entry draft.

2009: Conditional Selection in WHL Bantam Draft

In 2009, The Red Deer Rebels received a conditional selection in the WHL Bantam Draft, as part of the trade from December 13, 2007.

2010: Del Wilson Trophy

In 2010, Darcy Kuemper won the Del Wilson Trophy as the WHL's top goaltender.

May 26, 2011: Signed with Minnesota Wild

On May 26, 2011, Darcy Kuemper signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild.

October 13, 2011: Loaned to Ontario Reign

On October 13, 2011, Darcy Kuemper was loaned to the Ontario Reign of the ECHL.

November 12, 2011: Recalled by Minnesota Wild

On November 12, 2011, Darcy Kuemper was recalled by the Minnesota Wild from the Ontario Reign.

February 12, 2013: Recalled by the Wild

On February 12, 2013, Darcy Kuemper was recalled by the Wild. He was recalled to start the same night to relieve Harding and Niklas Bäckström.

May 1, 2013: Recalled by the Wild

On May 1, 2013, Darcy Kuemper was recalled again by the Wild to back up Josh Harding due to an injury to Niklas Bäckström.

2014: Playoff Start and Injury

In 2014, Darcy Kuemper started Game 3 for the Wild against the Colorado Avalanche, recording a shutout, but sustained an injury in Game 7.

July 1, 2017: Signed with Los Angeles Kings

On July 1, 2017, Darcy Kuemper agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

February 21, 2018: Traded to Arizona Coyotes

On February 21, 2018, Darcy Kuemper was traded to the Arizona Coyotes and subsequently re-signed to a two-year extension.

April 12, 2018: Named to Team Canada

On April 12, 2018, Darcy Kuemper was named to Team Canada's senior team to compete at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

2018: Career High Games

During the 2018 season, Darcy Kuemper played a career-high 55 games.

October 2, 2019: Signed Extension with Coyotes

On October 2, 2019, the Coyotes signed Darcy Kuemper to a two-year extension.

2020: Playoffs in Canada

During the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs held in Canada, Darcy Kuemper was considered a decisive factor in the Coyotes' victory over the Nashville Predators.