The Los Angeles Kings are working towards a long-term contract extension with star forward Adrian Kempe, a deal that could come with a significant raise. Kempe, who is eligible for an extension, is viewed as a vital component of the Kings' roster, especially as they aim to contend in the Western Conference.
Kings General Manager Ken Holland has acknowledged the intention to negotiate a deal with Kempe. Holland stated that he would like to sign Kempe to an extension, emphasizing Kempe's importance to the team. He also expressed optimism about Kempe's desire to stay in Los Angeles.
Kempe, a first-round pick by the Kings in 2014, has developed into a key offensive player for the team. After a slow start in the AHL and his first few NHL seasons, Kempe had a breakout year in 2021-22, scoring 35 goals and earning his first All-Star appearance. He has consistently produced since then, notching at least 67 points in each of the last three seasons and averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per game in 2024-25. In 630 career games with Los Angeles, Kempe has totaled 194 goals and 401 points. He has also been productive in the playoffs, with 13 goals and 23 points in 33 postseason games.
Given his performance, Kempe is in line for a substantial raise from his current contract, a four-year, $22 million deal signed in 2022 that carries a $5.5 million cap hit. While the exact terms of the potential extension remain undisclosed, projections suggest a significant increase in both salary and contract length.
AFP Analytics has projected a seven-year, $64.225 million deal for Kempe, which would carry an average annual value (AAV) of $9.175 million. Other reports suggest Kempe is seeking around $10 million per year on his next contract. Some reports indicate that Kempe's next contract could be worth more than the $51 million contract that Nikolaj Ehlers agreed to earlier this month with the Carolina Hurricanes. There is also speculation that Kempe could earn as much as $80 million on his next deal.
A contract in the projected range would make Kempe the highest-paid forward and second-highest-paid player on the Kings, behind defenseman Drew Doughty. With the salary cap expected to rise to $104 million for the 2026-27 season when the new contract would kick in, the Kings have the financial flexibility to accommodate a deal for Kempe. The Kings are projected to have nearly $38 million in cap space for that season.
Securing Kempe to a long-term extension is a priority for the Kings, as he is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. With other notable forwards potentially hitting the market at that time, the Kings are motivated to act proactively to retain their star player. Locking up Kempe would not only maintain offensive stability but also strengthen the team's competitive position in the coming years.
