The Los Angeles Kings and star forward Adrian Kempe are reportedly back at the negotiating table, working towards a contract extension for the pending unrestricted free agent. Kempe, who will be 30 years old next season, is in the final year of a four-year contract with a $5.5 million cap hit.

Kempe has led the Kings in scoring for the past two seasons and has scored 35 or more goals in three of the last four seasons, including a 41-goal season in 2022-23. As of mid-October, Kempe was the team's leading scorer after the first four games of the season. His consistent offensive production has made him one of the most important players on the Kings roster.

Negotiations between Kempe and the Kings had reportedly paused, but have recently resumed. Initial reports suggested a gap in valuation, with the Kings around $9 million average annual value (AAV) and Kempe's camp seeking closer to $10 million. However, recent comparable contracts signed by players like William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) and others have likely influenced Kempe's camp to increase their asking price. Nylander earns $11.5 million against the salary cap.

Despite the gap, there is a mutual interest in getting a deal done. Kempe reportedly wants to remain with the Kings. The Kings have roughly $70.275 million committed to next season's salary cap, which is projected to reach over $104 million.

On November 10, 2025, it was reported that Adrian Kempe has been re-signed to a four-year contract extension with the Kings. The official announcement is expected soon.

The Kings' management recognizes Kempe's importance and wants to adjust their roster accordingly. The team also signed defenseman Samuel Bolduc, forward Logan Brown, forward Cole Guttman, and forward Taylor Ward to NHL contracts.