Adrian Kempe’s Contract Situation
The outlook for Adrian Kempe’s contract situation with the Los Angeles Kings continues to draw attention, especially as he heads into the final year of his four-year, $5.5 million deal. As discussions about his potential contract extension gain traction, fans and analysts alike are buzzing, particularly after Kempe’s recent visits to the prominent hockey cities of Montreal and Toronto. These stops have added fuel to the media’s coverage surrounding his future with the team.
Negotiation Insights
J.P. Barry, Kempe’s agent, is based in Toronto, which opens the door for Kings’ general manager Ken Holland to engage in negotiations more closely. On the popular 32 Thoughts podcast, sports journalist Elliotte Friedman shared insights into the ongoing talks. He conveyed optimism about both parties wanting to reach a deal, though a notable gap remains in their discussions.
Friedman highlighted an interview with Kings president Luc Robitaille, who expressed a positive sentiment about the negotiations, even if there are hurdles yet to overcome.
In terms of contractual benchmarks, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported on the specific figures being discussed for Kempe’s upcoming contract. Following the recent eight-year, $11.5 million per season contract of Martin Necas, LeBrun indicated that the financial range for Kempe’s potential deal is estimated between $9.5 million and $11.5 million annually.
Focus on Performance
Despite the ongoing talks, Kempe has chosen to keep his focus on the ice, downplaying the impact of contract negotiations on his performance. After a thrilling overtime victory against Toronto, he told LeBrun,
“My focus right now is just playing… My intention is to stay. I love it here.”
This sentiment echoes Holland’s assurance that both sides are invested in finding common ground, with no animosity reported in the discussions.
Looking Ahead
As Adrian Kempe navigates this pivotal moment in his career, both the player and the Kings appear hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement will come to fruition soon. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as this narrative unfolds, with the potential for significant changes on the horizon for both player and franchise.
