Overview
- GM Ken Holland said Kempe was a player the team “couldn’t lose,” noting heightened importance with Anže Kopitar set to retire after this season.
- Kempe acknowledged he lowered his salary request to finalize the deal and emphasized his desire to stay where his family is settled.
- Los Angeles has surged with a 9-3-2 stretch, allowing an NHL-best 2.21 goals per game over the past month, while Kempe has 19 points in 20 games.
- Drew Doughty was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body/foot injury and is expected to miss two to three weeks, per Holland.
- The Kings will recall Pheonix Copley from AHL Ontario for the San Jose game to give Darcy Kuemper a full day of rest rather than due to an injury.