Is Darcy Kuemper’s NHL future becoming Los Angeles Kings’ most intriguing question before opening night

The Los Angeles Kings are entering the 2026-27 NHL season with a question mark at the goaltending position. Darcy Kuemper was the obvious No. 1, but his play dipped in 2025-26 after an injury, and Anton Forsberg played better down the stretch and took the playoff crease. According to the Kings’ own training-camp preview, both veterans could be in the mix for the job, with Erik Portillo possibly in the NHL picture as well.There’s also been some NHL trade speculation surrounding Kuemper. He was mentioned in a recent report as a possible trade candidate, but there’s no indication that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland is actively shopping him. Kuemper supposedly wants to stay in Los Angeles and fight for his starting spot.Could Darcy Kuemper’s future reshape Los Angeles Kings’ NHL plans?Darcy Kuemper’s future could depend on his ability to regain the starting job for the Los Angeles Kings.Kuemper came into 2025-26 off a stellar season in which he posted a 31-11-7 record with a 2.02 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. His numbers dipped considerably in 2025-26, when he posted a 19-14-15 mark, 2.78 GAA and.891 save percentage.Anton Forsberg offers the Los Angeles Kings a real option in net. Forsberg had a 16-12-5 record, a 2.57 goals-against average and a.909 save percentage in 36 regular-season games. He then started all four playoff games against the Colorado Avalanche, adding to his case for a bigger role in 2026-27.That just makes training camp all the more important. The Kings recognise that Forsberg might seek more starts, and Kuemper is eager to regain his form. The organization could even start the season with Kuemper and Forsberg, plus Erik Portillo, all on the NHL roster.Could Darcy Kuemper trade rumors become more serious?The ongoing Darcy Kuemper trade rumours are still speculation and not confirmed trade discussions.The Hockey News listed Kuemper as a trade candidate if his role is reduced, but that doesn’t mean Ken Holland is looking to make a deal. Kuemper wanting to remain with the Los Angeles Kings adds a whole other level to the situation.For now, the most obvious storyline is competition. If Kuemper makes the save, the Kings have little reason to move him. But if Forsberg makes himself the guy, the Kings could have a more difficult roster and salary decision to make.Kuemper will have to show more than improved stats in training camp. He needs to show that his movement, rebounding and consistency have returned after last season’s struggles.If he posts strong numbers in the preseason, it would go a long way toward reassuring the Kings’ coaching staff and his teammates that he can still handle a starter’s workload.The immediate answer should not be trade speculation, but training camp and the opening weeks of the NHL season.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.