The Edmonton Oilers may be subtly positioning themselves to make a move for Los Angeles Kings' star winger, Adrian Kempe, according to recent reports. While there are no active trade discussions between the two teams, the Oilers are reportedly keeping a close watch on Kempe's contract negotiations with the Kings.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and NHL Network reported that the Oilers are "quasi lurking in the weeds" as the Kings navigate what appears to be a difficult negotiation with Kempe. Kempe, who has evolved into a reliable top-line scorer, is reportedly seeking a significant raise from his current $5.5 million cap hit. His next contract could reach around $11 million per season, and potentially climb to $12 million if he becomes a free agent, given his offensive production and two-way capabilities.
Contract talks between the Kings and Kempe's representatives reportedly began during the summer, with the Kings initially aiming for a figure below $9 million. However, with the NHL salary cap continuing to increase, Kempe's camp now believes that his value is significantly higher. While Kempe has stated his desire to remain in Los Angeles, the gap between the two sides has led to a pause in negotiations. The Kings plan to revisit discussions later this month, but if progress remains stalled, teams like Edmonton are expected to monitor the situation closely.
The Oilers' potential interest in Kempe is logical, as they have lost several top-six wingers in the past year and are actively seeking scoring depth to complement Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Kempe's combination of elite finishing ability and responsible two-way play would be a significant boost to Edmonton's offensive core. Other insiders have also linked the Oilers to Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch, further highlighting their desire to add a top-six winger.
Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff discussed the potential fit, noting that Kempe is one of the few players who can keep up with McDavid. Marek also suggested that McDavid's recent "team-friendly" contract extension could free up cap space for the Oilers to pursue a high-profile player like Kempe.
However, it's important to note that the Oilers are currently close to the $95.5 million salary cap. This could limit their ability to make a significant addition to their roster unless they are willing to move existing players. Some potential trade candidates for the Oilers include Brett Kulak, though he may not fetch a high return.
As the situation develops, the Oilers' level of interest in Kempe will become clearer. If the Kings and Kempe are unable to reach an agreement, Edmonton may emerge as a strong contender to acquire the star winger, potentially adding another key piece to their Stanley Cup aspirations.
