Welcome back to the latest NHL Rumours from us here at Last Word On Hockey. Today we are headed to Los Angeles, California. No, not to check out Game 5 of the 2025 World Series scheduled for tonight versus the Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays with the series tied two-games a piece, we are here for hockey, more specifically, the Kings. The star sniper of Hollywood, Adrian Kempe, is the source of today’s rumours. So, let’s find out the very latest.
NHL Rumours: The Adrian Kempe in LA Show
Rumour: Today’s rumour comes from David Pagnotta, he of the Fourth Period-fame. Pagnotta is suggesting that talks are not close.
The Kings and Adrian Kempe are still far apart on a contract extension. @TheFourthPeriod reports there is mutual interest in an extension, but it sounds like it’ll be a grind for both sides to get it done.
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Analysis: Our analysis on today’s rumours is that this isn’t necessarily good or bad or ugly for LA. On the contrary, Kempe wants to be in LA, he just wants fair market value, like anybody cast in a starring role would.
Last time we presented Kempe rumours, the situation was a bit different. It was much closer to the timeline with some of the league superstars signing monster contract extensions. With names like Kirill Kaprizov, Connor McDavid, and Jack Eichel, it shows the potential magnitude the free agent class of the summer of 2026 had in store for us. However, with most of those big guys now off the board, it not only creates more competition for those that remain, but is also means those left to sign need to consider those already signed contracts as a benchmark.
When we brought you Kempe rumours a couple weeks ago, the message was clear. Initially, it was thought that Kempe would land at a $9-9.5 million average annual value. However, as the stars started to put pen to paper, it seemed the prices of admission went up. When the curtains opened, revealing the prized amount, Kempe had visions of $11+ million.
The Stars Have Fallen, Into Money
Therefore, it brings us to today’s latest discussion. That is that the two sides are far apart. Yes, Kempe is a star in the NHL, but is he Connor McDavid? Well, no. Even still, you could consider Kaprizov’s $17M AAV as a benchmark. Now, we will add, it isn’t clear, according to Pagnotta, why the sides aren’t close. A player of Kempe’s skill, it could really be dollar amount or the length of the deal.
On the one hand, Kempe has been incredibly productive lately in his career. If we take his average from the last four years, he would have played 80 games, he would score 35 goals and have 33 assists. He’s as pure as sniper as there is in the game. He’s a force who’s hard to stop, and is the Kings star forward. In contrast, you could consider that he is 29 years old and it would be tough to know how long he can sustain his elite-level goal scoring.
It wouldn’t appear the Kings would be hesitant to sign him for $11M AAV say, but just for how long? Kempe looks at a guy like Kaprizov, and probably wants seven years. Meanwhile, from a few days ago, Elliotte Friedman also commented on the situation. Friedman’s take is basically, that’s fine, you could let him walk. But, how would you improve your club without Kempe in your lineup? Like we say, he’s their best forward.
In that line of thinking, there aren’t many superstars out there that would be an improvement. Friedman suggested that LA was wondering how they could possibly land McDavid, had he ever become available. You know, as a Plan B if Kempe didn’t re-sign. He also thought LA would pursue Mitch Marner, had he entered the open market last summer.
So, back to Pagnotta, who gave us the most recent goods. Yes, the sides are far apart and not currently talking, but they are open to dialogue. At any moment, the phone could ring and deal could get done. That’s a Hollywood script for you.
With Anze Kopitar‘s impending retirement, Kempe will be a star in the lead-role for LA. He wants to be paid as such. How long will it take LA to sign the star on the dotted line?
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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