The Los Angeles Kings haven't had the easiest start to the 2024-25 season as they opened the season on an extended road trip and played in total 12 road games through the 21 games. The good news is that they are still within striking distance in the Pacific Division and currently in the playoffs if it were to end today.
However, it hasn't been all great and the Kings have a number of issues that they are going to have to work through if they hope to keep that playoff spot and more importantly get past the first round. With that in mind, these are the four biggest concerns for the Los Angeles Kings to begin the season.
Concern: Darcy Kuemper's health
The Los Angeles Kings traded for Darcy Kuemper in the offseason to replace Cam Talbot and the hope was that he could return to the level he played in his first stint with the Kings back in 2018. That season he played in 19 games and went 10-1-3 with a goals against average of 2.10 and a save percentage of .932.
This season, Kuemper hasn't been at that level but has had his moments and has a 4-2-3 record through 10 games with a save percentage of .899 and a goals against average of 2.65. The problem hasn't necessarily been his performance on the ice but rather his ability to stay on it.
Kuemper is currently on injured reserve and this is the second time the Kings have placed him there this season. These injuries have to be a concern after starting only 30 games last season with the Washington Capital.
The good news is that David Rittich has played incredible in the interim and done a really good job for the Los Angeles Kings. If Kuemper is able to return and stay healthy, this duo certainly can get the job done for the Kings but if Kuemper is unable to shake the injury bug, this is one position the Kings might address during the season.