Ken Holland walked into his new office in May with one clear priority: Keep the best players in the Los Angeles Kings. Now, three months into his tenure as Kings GM, Holland faces his biggest test with Adrian Kempe’s contract situation hanging in the balance.
The Kings have been busy this offseason, adding veteran leadership through key acquisitions. Previously playing for the Edmonton Oilers, Corey Perry is on a one-year, $2 million deal to strengthen the fourth line. The 40-year-old brings 935 points across 1,392 regular-season games to a Kings roster that finished second in the Pacific Division in 2024-25, posting a 48-25 record. Additionally, the Kings acquired Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, Brian Dumoulin, and others to bolster their depth.
Why Is Adrian Kempe Critical to the Kings’ Future Plans?
During his recent appearance on the NHL Morning Skate, Holland clarified that keeping the 28-year-old winger remains a top priority. Kempe has established himself as a franchise cornerstone, tallying 73 points in 81 regular-season games during the 2024-25 campaign. His playoff production has been equally reliable, accumulating 29 points across 28 postseason games throughout his career.
#GoKingsGo GM Ken Holland was on NHL Morning Skate w/@LaughlinSXM & @GordStellick to talk about re-signing Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe who are both on expiring contracts this coming NHL season
Full Interview:
🎧https://t.co/kUlFGXIamH pic.twitter.com/fB3XugX4DC— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) July 15, 2025
Holland, who took over the GM role in May, has already begun negotiations with Kempe’s agent, J.P. Barry, working to finalize a deal before the season begins. The GM made it clear that retaining the winger is essential to the Kings’ plans moving forward.
“In Kempe’s situation with J.P. Barry, we have talked a couple of times. We are going to get ramped up here. Obviously, I’d like to sign him to an extension. He is an important guy on the team,” Holland said.
What Makes This Contract Extension Mutually Beneficial?
Kempe’s recent performance justifies the Kings’ eagerness to retain him. His last two seasons have been career-defining, with 2023-24 his best year yet. That season, he recorded 75 points in 77 regular-season games, establishing himself as one of the team’s most consistent offensive threats.
The timing works for both sides. Kempe is approaching the final year of his four-year, $22 million contract signed in July 2022, creating urgency for both player and organization. Holland believes the relationship remains strong, citing positive early conversations as evidence of mutual interest.
“I believe he wants to stay. J.P. Barry said he wants to stay. I did talk to Adrian the day I was announced as manager, and got good feelings from him,” Holland explained.
Since being drafted 29th overall by Los Angeles in the 2014 NHL Draft, Kempe has become a central figure in the Kings’ lineup. His development from prospect to franchise player represents exactly the type of homegrown talent the organization wants to build around as they pursue their championship goals.
The ongoing negotiations signal that both sides recognize the value of continuity. For Kempe, staying in Los Angeles means remaining with the organization that developed him. For the Kings, keeping their top scorer ensures they maintain the offensive firepower needed to compete in a loaded Pacific Division.
