"Darcy is an established starting netminder who proved that he can win on the game's biggest stage, and we are excited to welcome him to Washington," said Capitals GM Brian MacLellan. "We feel this signing will provide our team confidence and stability in net." Kuemper, who just won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, will be the No. 1 netminder for Washington following the team's overhaul of the crease this offseason. He had a mark of 37-12-4 during the 2021-22 campaign with a 2.54 GAA and .921 save percentage in 57 contests. 

Kuemper is slated to become a UFA on Wednesday but whatever team grabs his rights will have a five day negotiating window in which to sign him. Kuemper is coming off a Stanley Cup win and was 10-4 in the post-season while garnering a 37-12-4 record during the regular campaign with a 2.54 GAA and a .921 save percentage. He is set for a big contract as he is the top goalie on the free agent market.

The Avalanche had been talking contract with him, but acquired netminder Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers on Thursday in exchange for three draft picks. Colorado still has to sign Georgiev, who is a pending RFA, so the team doesn't have the cap space to keep Kuemper. 

The two sides were unable to come to terms right away, but it's a good sign that discussions are expected to continue. Kuemper is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 13.