‘Financial Gap’ Still Exists Between Kings & Adrian Kempe in Extension Talks

Adrian Kempe's four-year, $22 million contract ($5.5 million AAV) with the Los Angeles Kings expires after the coming NHL season, and the soon-to-be 29-year-old star will need to be re-signed, as both sides are interested in continuing this relationship. But the latest report indicates that a 'financial gap' still exists in extension talks.

Kempe has three 35-goal seasons for the Kings over the last four years, and he is in for a huge raise. AFP Analytics projects a seven-year deal with a $9.175 million cap hit for the Swedish forward.

Gap exists between Kempe & the Kings in contract talks

But according to insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Kempe is looking for something north of that number.

Over the summer, there seemed to be a financial gap between Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings—and I'm not sure that has closed much, so far. Kempe is looking for a deal in the $10 million AAV range over eight years, while the Kings started talks under the $9 million mark.

New Kings GM Ken Holland has left no doubt that he sees the forward as a key part of his team going forward, and he has every intention of getting a deal done.

And as Pagnotta notes, with this likely being the final NHL season for iconic Kings center Anze Kopitar, the team will be doing everything it can to be a legitimate contender this year.

Kempe finished his 9th season this past year with 35 goals and 38 assists for 73 points in 78 games. He also posted a plus/minus rating of +22 and recorded 100 hits. In his 630 NHL games, all with LA, he has recorded 194 goals and 401 points with a +25 rating. His playoff numbers have been even better, with 15 goals and 29 points in 28 career postseason games.