Capitals trade Darcy Kuemper to Kings for center Pierre-Luc Dubois

The Darcy Kuemper era is officially over in Washington.

Late Wednesday, the Caps announced they have dealt the goaltender to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for center Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Dubois, 25, had 16 goals and 24 assists in 82 games for the Kings this year, and added one goal in Los Angeles’ first-round playoff loss to Edmonton. That was his first and only season with the Kings, as he was dealt from Winnipeg last June and signed an eight-year, $68 million deal with LA – a deal that now keeps him in Washington through the 2030-31 season.

A former No. 3 overall pick by Columbus in 2016, Dubois has 145 goals and 197 assists in 516 career games with the Blue Jackets, Jets, and Kings, and now adds another young forward to the emerging Capitals core.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in the trade release. "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.”

Kuemper, 34, was 13-14-3 with a 3.31 GAA and .890 save percentage for the Caps last season, but saw Charlie Lindgren take over as the No. 1 netminder and sat behind Lindgren in the Caps’ playoff loss to the Rangers.

He is also a long-term addition for L.A., as he has three seasons remaining on a five-year, $26.25 million contract he signed with the Caps in July 2022.

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

Kuemper has played for the Kings before, going 10-1-3 2ith a 2.10 GAA and .932 save percentage in 19 games in 2017-18 season. The former sixth-round pick in 2009 is 178-135-46 with a 2.61 GAA and .914 save percentage in 389 career games with the Capitals, Avalanche, Coyotes, Kings and Wild.