Kempe’s new contract with the Kings has an annual average value of $10.625 million.
Adrian Kempe and LA have agreed to an 8-year extension at an AAV of $10,625 million
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 16, 2025
There were reports that that was once the case Kyle Connor signed with the Winnipeg jets for $12 million per season, and Martin Necas signed with the Colorado avalanche at $11.5 million per season, Adrian Kempe could get around $11 million per season. Some thought he would come in the $11.5-$12 million range because of how valuable he was to the Kings and their offense.
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However, here is another good example of this Connor McDavid needed less money to stay with the Edmonton Oilers ($12.5 million AAV), which affected other contract negotiations. Just look at Lane Hutson with the Montreal Canadiens. Hutson needed less to stay in Montreal to win.
Kempe received less than $11 million because he wanted to stay with the Kings and win there. He made that known from the start. The kings wanted him, and Kempe made it clear he wanted to stay in Los Angeles.
Kempe also noted before the start of the season, as part of the NHL/NHLPA European Media Tour, that he did not want these contract negotiations to continue into 2026 or past the trade deadline. His preference was for completion before the end of 2025.
Kempe less than 11 million per win for both sides. Had to happen for LAK, homegrown player who wanted to stay gets his wish and can fully focus on winning,
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) November 16, 2025
This is a win-win for both the player and the organization. New Kings GM Ken Holland made signing Adrian Kempe a priority. Just look at what he’s done for Los Angeles, especially in the playoffs. He has 29 points (15 goals and 14 assists) in 28 playoff games. For his regular season career, Kempe has recorded 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 couldn’t afford to lose a homegrown talent like Kempe. The Kings selected him in the first round (29th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Adrian Kempe, extended by LA for 8x$10.6 million, is a speedy, front-line scoring winger who thrives on the rush and has a wicked catch-and-shoot wrister who can beat goalies from distance. Contributes in all situations and can perform a mean hip check when covering the D. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/FPEQfvZv1Z
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) November 16, 2025
Another free agent off the board The Free Agent class of 2026 continues to decline.
? Nightcap summary?
Adrian Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings play Let’s Make a Deal
The price is right for both sides #gamingsgo pic.twitter.com/DSqLTYxysR
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) November 16, 2025
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