Kings loan former first-round pick Rasmus Kupari to AHL

The Los Angeles Kings have sent Rasmus Kupari back to the minor leagues, as they return home for four games. Kupari was recalled on Oct. 29 and is still waiver-exempt.

Now 22, the 2018 first-round pick has played in four games this season and recorded one assist. His play in the minor leagues has been inspiring, but it hasn’t turned into a regular spot in this year’s lineup. In 2021-22 he played 57 games and appeared to have taken the next step but with the emergence of other young players and the offseason acquisitions, the Kings’ roster is filled with talented forwards.

Even in the games he did play, Kupari only averaged 11:21 of ice time and not a single second on the powerplay. As a pending restricted free agent, this could have been a perfect platform year for the young forward. But unless something changes, it appears he’ll be heading into offseason negotiations without any legitimate NHL success.

The Kings are back in action tomorrow night against the Florida Panthers.