Adrian Kempe and Kings Remain Optimistic in Ongoing Contract Extension Negotiations

Adrian Kempe, a pending unrestricted free agent for the Los Angeles Kings, is currently engaged in contract extension negotiations, with both the player and the team expressing optimism despite a reported "gap." His agent, J.P. Barry, has been in discussions with Kings GM Ken Holland. Kempe stated to The Athletic that the situation isn't weighing on him, his focus is on playing, and his intention is to stay with the Kings, where he loves it. Holland affirmed the team's desire to keep Kempe and believes the player wants to remain a King, noting the talks haven't been acrimonious. This is the final year of Kempe's four-year, $5.5 million contract. Martin Necas' recent eight-year, $11.5 million per season deal is being used as a key comparable, with the range discussed for Kempe reportedly between $9.5 million to $11.5 million annually on a long-term deal.