Kupari had two goals, three assists, 12 SOG, and six PIMs through 17 games with the Kings but will head back down to the Ontario Reign (AHL) again on loan. He had five goals, nine points and 22 PIMs in 11 games with Ontario prior to his promotion.
Kupari will head back to the Los Angeles Kings for a second time this season due to Viktor Arvidsson (personal) getting designated non-roster player status. Kupari collected two goals, three assists, six PIMs and 12 SOG in 16 games played this season. Prior to his call-up, he had five goals, and nine points with 22 PIMs through 11 games with Ontario (AHL).
Kupari had six points (3G/3A) and was a +5 plus/minus for Ontario (AHL) in six contests prior to the call up.
Kupari was with the Kings for the start of the season, scoring three goals with six assists (nine points) in 37 games. Since returning to the AHL, he has scored five goals with three assists (eight points) in 15 games with the Reign.
Quinton Byfield was called up from the AHL this morning and will replace Kupari on the third line vs. the Avalanche.
Kupari has played in the last three games but has yet to get on the scoresheet while going minus-2 with two PIMS and two shots. Look for Michael Amadio to draw in for him and for Kupari to go back to the AHL if he's not going to play at the NHL level.
"If he's with us now, he'll play," is what head coach Todd McLellan told the media following Thursday's practice session. Kupari is expected to skate on a line with Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore in his debut and comes up to the NHL after scoring two goals with seven assists (nine points) in his first eight AHL games of the 2021 season.
Kupari bounced around to different teams this year but played the majority of the year in Finland’s top league. Kupari had six goals and eight assists (14 points) in 39 games with Karpat. Kupari is one of the best skating forwards in this draft class and uses that speed to create offence.
