The Los Angeles Kings are back at camp, but not all eyes are on the ice. A different storyline is quietly stealing attention: Adrian Kempe’s next contract. The winger is entering the last season of his deal, and so far, an extension hasn’t been finalized.
Will Adrian Kempe and the Kings Settle Contract Talks Before the Season?
Kempe is 28 now, and his game has never looked steadier. Two straight years north of 70 points have turned him from an underrated depth piece into one of the Kings’ most reliable scorers. That growth also means he’s due for a raise. His current cap hit sits at $5.5 million, a bargain for the production he brings.
Negotiations have been simmering for months. Early reports suggested Kempe’s side floated numbers in the $10 to $11 million range over eight years. The Kings’ counter came in south of $9 million. That’s a decent gap, and while both sides have inched closer, nothing is finalized yet.
Speaking at the NHL/NHLPA Media Tour in Las Vegas, Kempe didn’t hide where his heart is. “I would like to get it done as soon as possible, but I don’t want to rush anything,” he shared with insider David Pagnotta.
“But I also don’t want to come around after Christmas and the (trade) deadline’s coming up and I’m sitting there not knowing where we’re at or we’re not on terms. Before Christmas would be great, before camp would be great,” he added.
Still, he admitted uncertainty late into the season would make him uneasy. If he reaches the trade deadline unsigned, speculation could take over.
Where the Kings Stand
The franchise has been in transition this summer. New general manager Ken Holland stepped in and immediately worked the phones, adding veterans like Cody Ceci, Brian Dumoulin, Joel Armia, and Corey Perry. With those pieces in place, attention has circled back to Kempe.
Holland has already spoken with Kempe and his agent, J.P. Barry. Sources say more talks are scheduled this week, with a goal of striking a deal before the puck drops on the regular season.
Given that Los Angeles projects to have over $33 million in space in 2026-27, flexibility isn’t the problem. It’s about numbers that feel fair on both sides.
Kempe isn’t just another player on the roster. He paced the Kings with 35 goals and 38 assists last year, then followed that up with ten playoff points in six games. His two-way game has grown sharper, making him a key piece in both even-strength and special teams situations.
Analysts peg his market value closer to $9.1 million per year. That’s in line with the Kings’ reported offers, but slightly shy of what his camp is believed to be targeting.
For now, neither side appears ready to walk away. Kempe has made it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles, and the Kings know what he means to the lineup.
