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Los Angeles Kings News

Kuemper led the Kings onto the ice for warmups.

After finishing his first season with the Kings in 2024-25 as the second Vezina Trophy runner-up, Kuemper followed it with a disappointing 2025-26 season, posting a 2.78 GAA and .891 SV% in 50 games (19-14-15). Kuemper's start to the 2026-27 season hasn't been overly encouraging, but he is coming off a strong performance, saving 30 of 32 shots (.938 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The veteran 36-year-old goalie has a 3.94 GAA and .869 SV% in five games (1-3-1). The Kings enter Thursday's game as -108 road favourites against a New York Islanders team on a two-game winning streak.

Darcy Kuemper
Byfield (upper-body) is a game-time decision on Long Island on Thursday.

Byfield exited midway through the first period of Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals with an upper-body injury and did not return. The 24-year-old forward has two points (1G / 1A) in seven games this season. His status for Thursday's game is up in the air.

Quinton Byfield
Kuemper was the first goalie off the ice at Los Angeles' morning skate.

After finishing his first season with the Kings in 2024-25 as the second Vezina Trophy runner-up, Kuemper followed it with a disappointing 2025-26 season, posting a 2.78 GAA and .891 SV% in 50 games (19-14-15). Kuemper's start to the 2026-27 season hasn't been overly encouraging, but he is coming off a strong performance, saving 30 of 32 shots (.938 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The veteran 36-year-old goalie has a 3.94 GAA and .869 SV% in five games (1-3-1). The Kings enter Thursday's game as -108 road favourites against a New York Islanders team on a two-game winning streak.

Darcy Kuemper
Byfield (upper-body) is considered day-to-day.

Byfield exited midway through the first period of Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals with an upper-body injury and did not return. He is listed as day-to-day, and it is unclear if he will be available for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders. The 24-year-old forward has two points (1G / 1A) in seven games this season.

Quinton Byfield
Kuemper led the Kings onto the ice for warmups.

The Kings have played the fewest games in the league so far, but they remain the NHL's only winless team, with a 0-4-2 record. The team has struggled offensively, scoring just 12 goals this season, which leaves Kuemper little room for error as he battles his own adversity. The veteran 36-year-old goalie has an ugly 4.53 GAA and a .847 SV% in four games (0-3-1). The Kings enter Tuesday's contest as +139 road underdogs against the Washington Capitals, Kuemper's former team. Last season, Kuemper had a 2.07 GAA and .918 SV% in two games against the Capitals (0-2-0).

Darcy Kuemper
Zuccarello (undisclosed) will return in Washington on Tuesday.

Zuccarello battled a shoulder injury for most of training camp and returned to the sidelines shortly after the season started with an undisclosed ailment. The 39-year-old forward has one assist in three games with the Kings and will return to the lineup on Tuesday. Zuccarello is expected to assume his spot on the top powerplay unit.

Mats Zuccarello
Kuemper is in the starter's crease at Los Angeles' morning skate.

The Kings have played the fewest games in the league so far, but they remain the NHL's only winless team, with a 0-4-2 record. The team has struggled offensively, scoring just 12 goals this season, which leaves Kuemper little room for error as he battles his own adversity. The veteran 36-year-old goalie has an ugly 4.53 GAA and a .847 SV% in four games (0-3-1). The Kings enter Tuesday's contest as +139 road underdogs against the Washington Capitals, Kuemper's former team. Last season, Kuemper had a 2.07 GAA and .918 SV% in two games against the Capitals (0-2-0).

Darcy Kuemper
Zuccarello (undisclosed) practiced on Monday and is trending toward returning on Tuesday vs. Washington.

Zuccarello battled a shoulder injury for most of training camp and returned to the sidelines shortly after the season started with an undisclosed ailment. The 39-year-old forward has one assist in three games with the Kings and could return to the lineup on Tuesday.

Mats Zuccarello
Kuemper will start vs. Edmonton on Tuesday.

After finishing his first season with the Kings in 2024-25 as the second Vezina Trophy runner-up, Kuemper followed it with a disappointing 2025-26 season, posting a 2.78 GAA and .891 SV% in 50 games (19-14-15). Looking to get back on track in 2026-27, Kuemper's start hasn't been encouraging, posting an ugly 4.03 GAA and .868 SV% through three games (0-2-1). The Kings enter Tuesday's contest as +177 road underdogs against the Edmonton Oilers, who have scored 20 goals during a four-game winning streak.

Darcy Kuemper