Pacific Notes: Kempe, Celebrini, Mueller

With the Los Angeles Kings recently finalizing a three-year, $12.3 million contract with restricted free agent Alex Laferriere, the team can now shift its focus to veteran Adrian Kempe, per Scott Coffman of Mayor’s Manor.

Kempe, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Kings, has one year remaining on his four-year deal that comes with a $5.5MM cap hit. Given Kempe’s steady offensive production, his current deal stands as one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league. However, his next deal is expected to see a significant increase. And as Coffman outlines, the NHLPA and NHL recently agreed to a new CBA, meaning Kempe is theoretically the last Kings player eligible to sign an eight-year extension.

Last season, Kempe scored 35 goals and 73 points in 81 games, marking his third straight season with at least 67 points. He also added 10 points in six playoff games. Still just 28 years old, Kempe already ranks 10th in team history in goals (194). And it appears Kempe will be adding those totals for years to come, as both Kempe and GM Ken Holland have stated on record their desire to get a long-term extension done.

Elsewhere in the Pacific Division:

• Though limited in experience and facing stiff competition, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is taking steps to make Team Canada’s Olympic roster, reports Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest. Named unanimously to the 2024-25 All-Rookie Team, Celebrini was named as one of the 42 invitees (and 26 forwards) to Team Canada’s Olympic Orientation Camp, which is set to run August 26-28. Celebrini, 19, posted 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games during his rookie season, which propelled him to a third-place finish in Calder Trophy voting. Being chosen to represent his country in the Olympics and play alongside stars like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid would be a tremendous opportunity for Celebrini’s development, and a welcome sight for the Sharks.
• Vancouver Canucks prospect Ty Mueller had a standout season in the AHL last year and is aiming for even more in the upcoming campaign, per NHL.com’s Chris Faber. Last season, Mueller, 22, was named an AHL All-Star, won a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, and made his NHL debut, appearing in two games toward the end of year. In 64 AHL games, Mueller posted 12 goals and 39 points, and added 12 points in 24 playoff games. Drafted by the Canucks in the fourth round of the 2023 Draft (105th overall), Mueller is looking to build upon last season’s success and make a true impact in Vancouver. Known for being defensively responsible, Mueller led Abbotsford in plus/minus last season and feels he can bring that skillset with him to the next level. “Here and there, I’ll sit and think about how cool it was to get that opportunity, and it just motivates me even more to get to the next level and be someone who can stay up there,” he said.