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LA Kings Given Big Adrian Kempe Contract Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 2:26 PM ET

As the Los Angeles Kings move through the current NHL season, the front office has been dealing with ongoing contract talks with a star. That would be Adrian Kempe, who is currently in the final year of his deal with the team.

During the summer, the two sides did speak, but things have now lingered into the season. This Kings team has been trying to get a deal done all offseason, but to this point, nothing has come about of note.

However, it does seem like the two sides may be making some progress as time goes on. Both sides have wanted to hold onto any leverage it could, helping to make the situation easier on each.

With the new year having started, it does feel like both sides want to get something done. Los Angeles was looking around the NHL to see what else could be out there for the team to potentially upgrade the roster, but now it seems that they may be forced to give in to Kempe's asking price.

Adrian Kempe Contract Update?

In a new report by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, it seems that Los Angeles has been given a new update on Kempe. It seems that Kempe may want to stay with the Kings for the foreseeable future, and that a deal could be getting done soon.

"I think they wanted to see if they could get their shot at McDavid, that's not happening; if Marner had gone to market, they were prepared to...meet with him; you operate with what you've got; I think [Kempe] wants to stay," Friedman said.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Kings/Kempe: I think they wanted to see if they could get their shot at McDavid, that's not happening; if Marner had gone to market, they were prepared to...meet with him; you operate with what you've got; I think [Kempe] wants to stay - 32 Thoughts (10/24)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 25, 2025

Friedman also mentioned that he expects the two sides to pick up contract talks again fairly soon. Each party wants to get this dealt with so it can be behind them, and they can solely focus on going after the Stanley Cup trophy this season.

It remains unknown what the cost may be for Los Angeles, but it could be hefty given what others have received of late. The Kings understand this, and Kempe could be well worth it.

Los Angeles has goals of winning the title this year after another early playoff exit. Kempe will be a big piece to the puzzle, so getting him signed could help everything go more smoothly this season.

Kempe has been an extremely valuable piece to the Kings' roster over the past few years, and it would be tough on the team to have him leave for nothing. If the two sides can't come to an agreement, Los Angeles may be forced to trade him for assets.

The veteran forward has posted at least 70 points on the year in two straight seasons, and he has continued his play from a year ago. With Kempe on the roster, Los Angeles has a legitimate goal-scoring threat who puts pressure on opposing defenses through each game.

So far through the current year, Kempe has scored five goals and posted seven assists in nine games played for the Kings. The veteran has continued his strong production, and it has helped Los Angeles get out to a solid start on the year.

Last season, Kempe put up 35 goals and 38 assists over 81 games played in the regular season. Both sides benefit greatly from staying together long term, so the hope is that something can get done between them.

It remains to be seen how or when this will happen, but the interest is there from each. This is something that could play a role in the future of the organization, so it would suit Los Angeles to get things done.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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