Washington Capitals Sign G Darcy Kuemper to 5-Year Deal

The goaltending carousel landed Darcy Kuemper in Washington on day one of free agency. The former starting netminder for the Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche had priced himself out of another deal with the Avs, but the Capitals were badly in need of a starting netminder and were willing to pay to outbid other teams who needed one too. Kuemper will go to the Caps, who are always a playoff team, if not a contender in the east each and every season. They will pay him $26.25 million to be their starter for the next number of seasons.

NEW TENDIE IN TOWN!

The Washington Capitals have signed goaltender Darcy Kuemper to a five-year, $26.25 million contract.#ALLCAPS | @FTX_Official

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 13, 2022

Kuemper was arguably the top goaltender on the market, toe-to-toe with Jack Campbell for free agents still available when the market opened. There were several teams that were rumored to have interest, but the Edmonton Oilers signed Jack Campbell, and the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for Matt Murray. Kuemper was left to choose between the Capitals and likey a team like the Buffalo Sabres.

Related: Wild Trade G Cam Talbot to Senators

Kuemper is a solid goalie, one who posted a win-loss record of 37-12-4 with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.54 and a save percentage (SV%) of .921. this past season. Unfortunately, he’s had issues with health and at his age, there is some risk for the Capitals when it comes to the length of this contract. If he can stay relatively healthy, this should be a solid bet over the first few seasons as he carries a lifetime record of 143-95-36 with an all-time GAA of 2.48 and a SV% of .918.

Kuemper spent time with the Arizona Coyotes before he was sent to the Avalanche in a trade. It was there he established himself as a starter. He’s also spent time with the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild. His 57 games last season was the most of his career. The Capitals are banking on the fact he’s at least a 50-game guy moving forward every season. He’s going to make $5.25 million per season.

Kuemper said of his new deal with the Caps that he was excited to join a group that has won before and knows how to win. He likes that they have a good chance of winning. He said the turnaround was quick after winning the Stanley Cup but he’s excited about joining the Capitals.

Next: Evander Kane Re-Signs With the Oilers, A Four-Year Extension