Darcy Kuemper, now a top NHL goalie, credits his success to the Los Angeles Kings, who initially traded him in 2018. Despite limited playtime as Jonathan Quick's backup, Kuemper showcased potential with strong performance metrics. The trade to Arizona allowed him to become a starting goalie, ultimately returning to the Kings with a remarkable season. This turnaround highlights the impact of opportunity and development, transforming goaltending from a perceived weakness into a strength for the Kings.
"Goalie's a tough position. Only one guy gets to play."
"Basically what happened was an opportunity. Blake met with me and I was like 'I don't want to leave but I want to play more.'"
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