The Los Angeles Kings are finally back on the West Coast after five games to open the 2024-25 season in the Eastern Time Zone. They began the trip with Darcy Kuemper in net for the first three games but after giving up eight goals against the Ottawa Senators, he has missed the past two games due to an injury.
The team described it as a lower body injury and at the time said he would be day-to-day. However, it appears Kuemper is going to be out a little while longer as the Kings placed him on injured reserve on Saturday.
It seemed like Kuemper might be close to returning as Zach Dooley tweeted that Kuemper skated on his own this morning. That workout probably was an indication that he wasn't ready to return.
The question now is how long he is going to be out and even though he was placed on injured reserve, it may not be that much longer. For any player placed on injured reserve, they have to sit out at least seven days and since Kuemper hasn't played a game since October 14th he could theoretically return for Tuesday night's game against Vegas Golden Knights.
David Rittich likely to start for the Los Angeles Kings against the Anaheim Ducks
While it remains to be seen when Darcy Kuemper can return, it is clear he won't be available tomorrow night against the Ducks. In a corresponding move with placing Kuemper on injured reserve, the Kings recalled Pheonix Copley from the Ontario Reign.
However, the Kings likely will have David Rittich starting for them in the game in Anaheim. He had a very shaky start against the Maple Leafs as he gave up four goals early and would be replaced by Copley in the second period.
Rittich did bounce back and look better on Thursday night against Montreal as he gave up only one goal, which was in the first period before settling down in net.