Kings and Kempe Locked in Contract Negotiations as Deadline Looms

As of November 15, 2025, the Los Angeles Kings and star forward Adrian Kempe are locked in contract extension negotiations. Kempe, a pending unrestricted free agent, has been the subject of much speculation, especially after visiting the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kings GM Ken Holland has been in talks with Kempe's agent, J.P. Barry, who is based in Toronto, about securing a new deal for the 28-year-old. While both sides have expressed a desire to keep Kempe in Los Angeles, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reports that "there's still a gap" in the negotiations.

However, Kings president Luc Robitaille sounded relatively optimistic about the process, suggesting the two parties are making progress. Kempe himself has stated that his focus is on playing and that he loves it in LA, indicating his intention to remain with the team.

The key factor in these talks is the recent eight-year, $11.5 million per season contract extension signed by Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes. According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the range being discussed for Kempe's next deal is $9.5 million to $11.5 million per year on a long-term contract.

With the Kings and Kempe's camp working to bridge the gap, the next few weeks will be crucial as the team looks to lock up their star forward before he potentially hits the open market.