Darcy Kuemper Placed on Injured Reserve Following Collision with Mikko Rantanen

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury sustained during a game against the Dallas Stars on December 15, 2025. The injury occurred late in the first period when Kuemper collided with Stars forward Mikko Rantanen while attempting to make a save. The incident led to a disallowed goal for Dallas due to goaltender interference, but no penalty was called on Rantanen. Kuemper was evaluated on the ice and subsequently replaced by Anton Forsberg, who completed the game.

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In response to Kuemper's injury, the Kings recalled goaltender Pheonix Copley from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign. Copley, who has previous NHL experience, is expected to serve as the backup to Forsberg while Kuemper is sidelined. The Kings have indicated that Kuemper will miss at least seven days, ruling him out for upcoming games against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sports Illustrated

Prior to his injury, Kuemper had been performing well, with a record of 10-6-6, a 2.19 goals-against average, and a .917 save percentage in 23 games this season. His strong performance had positioned him as a potential candidate for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympics. The Kings currently sit third in the Pacific Division, four points out of first place, and Kuemper's absence is expected to impact their competitive standing.

Kings’ Kuemper leaves game after collision with Stars’ Rantanen

The lack of a penalty call on Rantanen's hit has drawn criticism from Kings head coach Jim Hiller and players. Hiller expressed frustration over the incident, stating, "I saw a player come into the blue paint and run into our goaltender." Defenseman Drew Doughty noted that the referees explained the absence of a penalty by claiming Kuemper was outside the crease, a point that has been contested by many observers. Rantanen, for his part, expressed regret over the collision, stating, "It was unfortunate... I didn't see (Kuemper) was top of the blue."

Kings' Kuemper injured after controversial collision with Stars' Rantanen

As the Kings prepare for their upcoming back-to-back games, Forsberg is expected to take on the starting role, with Copley serving as the backup. Forsberg has shown improvement in recent games, and the team will rely on him to maintain their position in the tightly contested Pacific Division. The Kings will look to navigate this challenging period without their starting goaltender, hoping to secure crucial points in the standings.

Kings recall goaltender Pheonix Copley from AHL-Ontario, Darcy Kuemper to IR