Kempe Explains Kings Loyalty After Signing 8-Year, $85M Extension

Adrian Kempe, 29, committed to the Kings with an 8-year, $85 million extension ($10.625M AAV), prioritizing happiness and team loyalty over a potentially larger free-agency offer. He leads the offensively challenged Kings with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists), scoring 7 goals since signing the deal. Averaging a career-high 19:18 ice time, Kempe is on pace for 30 goals and 68 points, solidifying his role as a future leader for the franchise, which he believes has a strong core and good young players.