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Kings Trade Rumors: Two Veterans Could Be On Their Way Out Of Los Angeles
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- Kings Trade Rumors: Two Veterans Could Be On Their Way Out Of Los Angeles
The Kings have already gone through plenty of change this offseason. But with training camp still ahead, there are two veterans whose futures in Los Angeles are worth watching.
Darcy Kuemper and Trevor Moore both remain under contract, but neither has a completely clear path to the role he wants. If Ken Holland decides the roster needs another shake-up, either player could become part of the conversation.
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Darcy Kuemper's Future Is Uncertain
Kuemper may be the more interesting case.
The Kings brought him back to Los Angeles as a proven starter and a Stanley Cup winner with the Colorado Avalanche. He backed that up in 2024-25, finishing with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage and earning a spot among the Vezina Trophy finalists.
Last season didn't go nearly as well.
An injury interrupted Kuemper's year, and he struggled to find the same form after returning. Anton Forsberg eventually took over the starting job, leaving Kuemper with some uncertainty heading into the new season.
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Now Laviolette enters the picture.
The veteran coach has generally preferred having a clear No. 1 goaltender. If Forsberg earns that job, the Kings could be left with Kuemper and his $5.25 million cap hit as a backup, with the goaltender entering the final year of his contract.
That's a tough number to carry for a backup.
A team looking for an experienced goaltender could have interest in Kuemper, especially if it believes he can return to the form that made him a Vezina finalist. For Los Angeles, moving him would create some breathing room under the cap and potentially bring back an asset.
Trevor Moore Could Use A Change Of Scenery
Moore's situation is different, but there's also a case for a move.
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The speedy winger has plenty of ability, yet he hasn't been able to consistently secure a top-six role with the Kings. He can play throughout the lineup and contribute in different situations, but his offensive opportunities haven't always been consistent.
Moore carries a $4.2 million cap hit with two years remaining and doesn't have trade protection. That makes him a relatively straightforward player for Holland to move if an appealing offer comes along.
And there should be some interest.
Moore put up 31 goals during the 2022-23 season, showing he can put the puck in the net when he's given the chance. A team willing to give him more offensive responsibility could potentially get more out of him than Los Angeles has recently.
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For the Kings, trading Moore would also clear $4.2 million and open a roster spot.
Neither player needs to be moved. But if Holland decides the Kings need to change things up again, Kuemper and Moore are two names that could be worth watching.
