The Los Angeles Kings and forward Adrian Kempe have agreed to a new eight-year, $85 million contract extension.
Kempe’s new contract with the Kings has an average annual value of $10.625 million.
Adrian Kempe and LA have agreed to an 8-year extension with an AAV of $10.625 million
— Elliot Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 16, 2025
Reports suggest that once Kyle Connor signed with the Winnipeg Jets for $12 million per season and Martin Necas signed with the Colorado Avalanche for $11.5 million per season, Adrian Kempe could earn about $11 million per season. Some believe his price will be between $11.5 and $12 million because he is so valuable to the Kings and their offense.
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However, this is another prime example of Connor McDavid staying with the Edmonton Oilers for less money ($12.5 million), affecting other contract negotiations. Just look at Ryan Hutson’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Hutson spent less time in Montreal to win.
Kempe was paid less than $11 million because he wanted to stay with the Kings and win there. He made that clear from the beginning. The Kings wanted him, and Kempe made it clear he wanted to stay in Los Angeles.
Kempe also noted before the season started as part of the NHL/NHLPA European media tour that he did not expect contract negotiations to continue into 2026 or past the trade deadline. He hopes to have it completed by the end of 2025.
Kempe’s bonus for each victory is less than $11 million. This is a must for LAK, the local players who want to stay get their wish and can focus entirely on winning,
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) November 16, 2025
It’s a win-win for both the players and the organization. New Kings general manager Ken Holland has made signing Adrian Kempe a top priority. Look at what he’s done for Los Angeles, especially in the playoffs. He has 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 28 playoff games. During his regular season career, Campe scored 420 points (200 goals and 220 assists) in 649 regular season games.
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This season with the Kings, he has 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 19 games. Los Angeles can’t afford to lose a homegrown talent like Kempe. The Kings selected him in the first round (29th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Adrian Kempe, who was re-signed by Los Angeles for 8x $10.6 million, is a speedy first-line scoring winger who excels in the rush and has great catch-and-shoot skills to beat goaltenders from distance. Contributes in all situations and can make a mean hip check when covering D. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/FPEQfvZv1Z
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) November 16, 2025
As the 2026 free agent class continues to shrink, yet another free agent has been eliminated.
? Nightcap review?
Adrian Kempe vs. Los Angeles Kings Game Let’s Make a Trade
The price is right for both parties #gokingsgo pic.twitter.com/DSqLTYxysR
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) November 16, 2025
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