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20m ago

Kings Lock Up Adrian Kempe on Eight-Year, $85 Million Extension

The agreement takes Kempe off the 2026 market, signaling Los Angeles’ succession planning before Anze Kopitar’s retirement.

Nov 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe (9) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Overview

  • ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the in‑season deal at an average annual value of $10.625 million.
  • The contract runs through 2033–34 and is expected to be front‑loaded, according to reporting referenced by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
  • Kempe’s AAV makes him the Kings’ second‑highest‑paid player behind Drew Doughty, and it is the richest contract in franchise history for a forward.
  • The extension removes a marquee name from the shrinking 2026 UFA class, continuing a run of early re‑signings by stars such as Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Martin Necas and Kyle Connor.
  • The 29‑year‑old has 19 points in 19 games this season for first‑place Los Angeles, underscoring his role as a core scorer as the team prepares for Kopitar’s planned exit.