In yesterday’s episode of the DFO Rundown Podcast, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period brought up Adrian Kempe and the ongoing conversations between him and the Los Angeles Kings, as the star becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. Especially as a major player came off the market earlier today, Martin Necas, eyes turn to Kempe. As Pagnotta mentioned, he wants to stay in Los Angeles, but with each falling domino, his price keeps going up along with the potential allure of going to free agency.
Pagnotta said in the episode that the two sides remain far apart, and that it looks to be a “grind” if they are to reach a resolution. Kempe, who was signed to a steal of a four year contract worth $5.5MM per year, will be due for a hefty raise. In the first year of the deal, he broke out as a 40-goal-scorer, and since then has been a consistent 70+ point producer. At 29, the Swede could set new heights in his contract year, already having posted 14 points in 11 games.
Originally drafted 29th overall back in 2014, the Kings were very patient with Kempe, and it paid off. Through his first 5 professional seasons, he had yet to break out, not reaching 40 points. Many teams look to move on from such late first-round forwards on that path, but instead, Los Angeles has reaped the benefits of the long game. Kempe is on track to surpass 700 games with the black and silver in 2025-26. With legend Anze Kopitar set to retire after this season, along with his $7MM cap hit set to come off the books, giving them much needed space, the Kings hope to keep another player around for the long hall in Kempe.
Along with Pagnotta’s thoughts, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet discussed Kempe last week on The FAN Hockey Show, saying he could command north of $10MM. Currently, AFP Analytics projects a seven-year deal worth $9.175MM, but with Necas all set at 8 years, $11.5MM per season, Kempe’s price has likely gone up, and will continue to do so.
With the Kings off to a respectable start, 5-3-3, the group’s goal of making one final run for Kopitar will dominate their headlines for months to come. However, Kempe’s status will also be a huge one to monitor; not only in Los Angeles, but also from other teams eagerly awaiting the possibility to sign him in July, especially if he can surpass the point-per-game mark this season for the first time.
GM Holland should’ve locked up Kempe in the off-season. What a Maroon!!
If Holland should overpay on anyone, it’d be Kempe. You gave 4 million to Ceci, which is a bad overpay. Why can’t you give 10 to Kempe, an actual star player? Go Kings Go, but c’mon Holland!
If Kempe were to hit free agent, he would be the top forward on the market. Kempe & his agent know this. They know what he would command in free agency and aren’t going to take a lower offer.
Hmm…the longer it typically takes to get a deal done in these situations, the less likely that player stays with the team in the end. It’s surprising the Kings haven’t pushed to get a deal done with Kempe especially with Anze Kopitar retiring after the season.
There is a possibility of potential UFA prime names like Adrian Kempe, Alex Tuch, Artemi Paranrin (I don’t think there is active negotiations going on with him like the prior two), etc hit the open market in the summer. You also have potential RFA prime names like Jason Robertson who could end up on the trading block in the summer.
29 years old. That’s Guentzel/Rantanen’s age when they got max deals.
Just spitballing here: How hard would it be to get this done? Would 7/10.5 be enough? Or is he going to look to a team that can make a deeper run into the playoffs. Or is he looking to go to a team with a lower state income tax The 12.3% rate here in Cali is roughly $1.5 million (you get taxed in the state rate where the game is played). Or both? It would make a lot of sense for a team like Dallas to trade Robertson for some serious assets, and then lure Kemoe over with the same type of deal.
Again, just spitballing for the fun of it.
8 years at 11/year and call it a day. He is a cornerstone piece they simply can’t lose. He was also underpaid the last 4 years, so give him the extra $1M or so annually for goodwill if needed. He should age well, will be a deal 5-6 years from now.
Do not like the way Luc is running this organization. Hired his best buddies and have made very questionable decisions. Kempe no doubt sees how this roster is constructed and the age added and where it’s likely headed with Kopitar retiring this season and Doughty’s contract up after next season. There’s very little talent in the organization and a horrible head coach. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that tough times are coming for this franchise. Kempe no doubt sees this and probably is looking to play elsewhere.
Tough times? Yet they keep winning. You have been saying the same s&&t for a long time that the Kings are in for tough times. Take a drive down the freeway and become a Ducks fan. They need clueless fans like you
8 x $11 mil.