November 10, 2025 | 12:30pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

KEMPE, KINGS RESUME CONTRACT TALKS

Adrian Kempe, forward

The Los Angeles Kings and star forward Adrian Kempe are back at the negotiating table, though the grind continues.

During his weekly appearance on “The Morning Skate” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, TFP’s David Pagnotta confirmed that contract discussions picked up again last week, though hedged that “nothing was close going into the weekend.”

Kempe is believed to be looking for an eight-year extension worth somewhere in the $11 million to $12 million ballpark. While the Kings originally started significantly lower when talks began in the early summer, they are believed to have upped their figures – though it’s clear, as of now, more work is needed.

Pagnotta noted that the structure of the new contract may be a big part of the negotiation process, but it seems clear the Kings are not yet in the total ballpark.

With the salary cap projected to hit at least $104 million next season, the Kings have $33.725 million in cap space per that projection, giving them plenty of space to fill other areas of their roster and sign other players once Kempe is locked into a new deal.

In addition to Kempe, forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Corey Perry and defenceman Jacob Moverare are all eligible to become unrestricted free agents, while centre Samuel Helenius and defenceman Brandt Clarke are set to become restricted free agents.

Kings captain Anze Kopitar will also see his contract expire after this season, but he announced prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign that he will be retiring after this season ends.

In 16 games so far this season, Kempe leads the Kings in scoring with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists).