After weeks of negotiations, the LA Kings and forward Adrian Kempe have finally agreed to a contract extension. It comes despite numerous reports in recent weeks that both parties were still far away from an agreement. The team announced the new contract on Sunday afternoon.
Kempe was set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent on July 1, 2026. Given his production in recent years, he would have been set to demand a king’s ransom on the open market.
The $85-million contract may have actually been a slight discount, as reports signalled Kempe wanted to stay in Los Angeles. It also gives him the second-highest annual salary on the roster, behind only veteran defenseman Drew Doughty.
Finalizing the Kempe extension was a top priority for general manager Ken Holland as soon as he took the job, and rightfully so. The top-line forward has led LA in points each of the last two seasons, with a combined 148 points for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.
So far this year, Kempe is a point-per-game player, with 19 points in as many games. Finishing at his current pace would set a career high in points for the 29-year-old.
The LA Kings fanbase and management have to be relieved that Kempe’s extension has been finalized. Now the team can continue its focus on its current road trip, where the Kings won four consecutive games.