Adrian Kempe is set to receive a lucrative contract next summer as one of the NHL’s premier unrestricted free agents. Last summer, Mitch Marner was acquired by Toronto from Vegas for $12 million per year in a sign-and-trade deal, just before hitting free agency. Given Kempe’s impressive goal-scoring record over the past four years—surpassing Marner—it’s uncertain what kind of offer he might have secured at 29 in his prime.
However, Kempe prioritized his happiness over money and recently signed an eight-year extension with the Los Angeles Kings, reportedly worth $85 million, committing his entire career to the only team he’s ever known. “Some teams probably offered something,” he shared, “but nothing aligned with what I wanted. I’m really happy here, and so is my family. Nothing else was on my mind.”
Now settled, Kempe leads the Kings offensively with 13 goals and 17 assists, totaling 30 points—seven of which he earned in the 17 games following his contract signing. Despite his performance, the Kings have struggled, losing six of their last seven games, a streak reminiscent of when coach Todd McClellan was dismissed. Yet, teammate Kevin Fiala expressed confidence in the team’s potential, stressing the need to put in a full 60 minutes of effort to secure consecutive wins and regain momentum.
The Kings face a tough end to the season, including games against the high-scoring Avalanche. To turn their fortunes around, they must improve a lackluster offense averaging a mere 2.52 goals per game—second last in the NHL—and an ineffectual power play converting under 14% of opportunities, ranking 31st league-wide. Kempe is expected to play a pivotal role; over the past four years, he’s matched Sidney Crosby in goals and trails Alex Ovechkin by only six assists, impressing his coaches and fans alike.
Coach Jim Hiller applauded Kempe’s streak scoring ability and his knack for breaking away with speed and skill. The forward now enjoys a career-high average ice time of over 19 minutes per game and is on track to net 30 goals and 68 points for the second straight season. With veterans Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty nearing retirement, securing Kempe—seen as the team’s future leader—was a priority for new GM Ken Holland.
Though the contract term was non-negotiable, Kempe agreed to a reduced annual salary of $10.625 million—nearly double his current $5.5 million—making him one of the highest-paid Swedish players in the NHL, yet still below what he might have earned on the open market. Hiller observed that Kempe values loyalty and appreciates the franchise that drafted and developed him, choosing stability and team allegiance over maximum financial gain.
Kempe joins other longtime Kings players like Dustin Brown, Kopitar, and Doughty who have spent their entire careers with the team. If he avoids injuries and maintains his performance, he’s poised to rank among the franchise’s all-time leaders in games played, goals, and points by contract’s end. Holland and the Kings are investing for the future but are also counting on Kempe to lead in salvaging the current challenging season.
Kempe himself believes in the Kings’ potential, emphasizing the importance of playing on a strong team with a promising core of young talent and the ambition to win a Stanley Cup. For him, and many fans, that aspiration transcends dollars.
Fan Take: This signing highlights how personal happiness and team loyalty can outweigh lucrative offers, a refreshing story in today’s sports landscape. For hockey fans, it signals stability and hope for the Kings’ future, while underscoring the importance of building lasting team chemistry to succeed in the NHL.
