LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Kings fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Superstar forward Adrian Kempe has signed an eight-year extension with the Los Angeles Kings at an average annual value of $10.625 million.
The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with the Kings since being drafted 29th overall in 2014. Kempe paid his dues with the Manchester Monarchs and Ontario Reign in the AHL before earning a full-time spot on the Kings roster in the 2017-18 season. Ever since then, Kempe has blossomed into a key part of the Kings’ core, becoming one of the more underrated players in the NHL.
Kempe is currently in the final year of a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million, which he signed in July 2022.
The biggest concern for the Kings entering this season has finally been put to rest. With other star forwards around the league, such as Kyle Connor, Martin Nečas, and Jack Eichel extending with their respective teams early into this season, Kempe would’ve likely been the most sought-after forward had he hit the free agent market.
Given the deals signed by Connor (eight years, $12 million AAV) and Nečas (eight years, $11.5 million AAV), it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kempe left some money on the table to stay with the Kings.
Over the past two seasons, Kempe has led the Kings in points and finished top three on the team in goals. That trend has continued this year, as he has arguably been the best forward to start the season. Through 19 games, Kempe leads the team with 19 points and is third on the team with six goals.
Kempe now joins the likes of Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala as part of the forward core signed to long-term deals.