June 19, 2024 | 2:55pm ET [Updated: 3:00pm ET]
TheFourthPeriod.com

KINGS TRADE DUBOIS TO CAPITALS FOR KUEMPER

Pierre-Luc Dubois, forward

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization,” said Capitals GM Brian MacLellan. “This acquisition brings in a talented 25-year-old with immense potential to become a top-tier center in the NHL. With his size, exceptional skating, and high hockey IQ, we are confident he will thrive in our organization with increased responsibility and opportunity.

“We also thank Darcy for his valuable contributions to our organization on and off the ice and wish him the best in Los Angeles. After witnessing Charlie Lindgren’s performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team.”

Dubois, 25, recorded 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) in 82 games with Los Angeles this past season. He has seven years remaining on his contract and comes with an $8.5 million cap hit.

In 516 career NHL games with Los Angeles, Winnipeg and Columbus Blue Jackets, Dubois has recorded 145 goals and 197 assists for 342 points. The Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec native was originally drafted third-overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Kuemper, 34, returns to the Kings after appearing in 33 games for the Capitals this season, finishing the campaign with a 13-14-3 record and one shutout. The netminder is a veteran of 389 NHL regular season contests over parts of 13 seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche & Washington Capitals, including a Stanley Cup Championship with Colorado in 2022.

Originally selected by Minnesota in the sixth round (161st overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Kuemper last suited up for the Kings in the 2017-18 campaign, where he went 10-1-3 with three shutouts and a 2.10 GAA and .932 SV% in 19 games.