Major Update on Adrian Kempe Extension Talks With LA Kings

As things stand, Adrian Kempe is just one of a spectacular list of the top potential UFAs for the Summer of 2026. But if we listen to Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland, it sounds like Kempe won't be on that list for too much longer.

Calling him a critical part of the team, Holland told SiriusXM's NHL Network Radio that digging into the Kempe negotiations is next up on his agenda this summer.

I've got to get going on that front. Certainly, I want to get him signed to a long-term deal, he's a real important part of the team... We are going to get ramped up here (on the Kempe front). Obviously, I'd like to sign him to an extension... I believe he wants to stay.

Kempe, 28, will be wrapping up a four-year, $22 million deal ($5.5M AAV) this coming season. He had 35 goals and 38 assists for 73 points this past year with 100 hits. His plus/minus rating of +22 tied a career high. It's the third time in the last four years that he's cracked the 35-goal mark.

From the sounds of it, re-signing Kempe should be as easy as tic-tac-toe.

The Kings are playing tic-tac-toe out here 🤯

Kempe and Foegele BOTH on hatty watch pic.twitter.com/GGxjqygBG7
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 31, 2025

The buzz surrounding the Kings' other notable pending free agent for next season, captain Anze Kopitar, won't be dying down anytime soon, as Holland said the player isn't interested in doing anything until the coming season plays out.

#GoKingsGo GM Ken Holland was on NHL Morning Skate w/@LaughlinSXM & @GordStellick to talk about re-signing Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe who are both on expiring contracts this coming NHL season

Full Interview:
🎧https://t.co/kUlFGXIamH pic.twitter.com/fB3XugX4DC
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) July 15, 2025