The Los Angeles Kings have been in a tough spot this offseason. Recent rumors suggest that their current captain, Anže Kopitar, might be leaving after the upcoming season. But Kopitar’s exit isn’t the only thing that the Kings might have to deal with.
Reports suggest that the ongoing contract negotiations between star forward Adrian Kempe and the Kings management have stalled, as the two sides cannot agree on a figure. With Kempe entering the final year of his current deal, things could get more difficult for LA.
Are There Contract Discrepancies Between Adrian Kempe and the Kings?
The Kings have remained a top name in the Pacific Division in the past few seasons. A big reason behind this consistency has been the duo of Kopitar and Kempe, who have led the Kings’ offense from the front. But that time might be coming to an end.
Both are in the last year of their contracts, and reports have already suggested that Kopitar will not be signing an extension. Meanwhile, Kempe is at a standstill with the Kings’ management regarding his contract demands.
NHL insider David Pagnotta mentioned on “The Fourth Period” that there is still a gap between the two parties. “While over their summer, there seemed to be a financial gap between Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings, and I’m not sure that has closed much, so far,” Pagnotta said. “Kempe is looking for a deal in the $10 million AAV range over eight years, while the Kings started talks under the $9 million mark.”
David Pagnotta: “Kempe is looking for a deal in the $10 million AAV range over eight years, while the Kings started talks under the $9 million mark.” – The Fourth Period (9/2)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 3, 2025
With Kempe leading the Kings in points production in the last two seasons, an eight-year, $80 million deal isn’t unreasonable.
Not to mention, in the likely scenario that Kopitar doesn’t sign an extension once the season ends, the Kings will probably have the cap space needed to offer Kempe what he demands. Pagnotta believes that keeping Kempe locked in should be the Kings’ top priority.
“With Anže Kopitar likely playing in his last NHL season, the Kings want to compete this season, and getting Kempe locked into a new deal is important,” Pagnotta said.
Kempe’s postseason grit is also something that the Kings would need if they want to have a deep playoff run. While the Kings got knocked out by the Oilers in round one of the playoffs, Kempe still impressed with 10 points in six games this past season. With Kempe and the Kings just $1 million apart on the AAV, it is expected to be a bridgeable gap.
The Kings still have $2.66 million in cap space. In the scenario that Kopitar leaves after next season, the Kings will free up another $7 million. With all this in mind, the two might agree sooner rather than later.
