The rumour mill in the NHL is already heating up with several big recent signings and otherwise contract negotiations ongoing. For this edition of NHL Rumours, we’ll be digging in to the Los Angeles Kings contract negotiations with their star winger set to walk in to free agency in the offseason.
All rumours come from the original source and are subject to change as we move forward.
NHL Rumours and the Last Big Contract for Kempe
Rumour: The situation in Los Angeles regarding Adrian Kempe has reached a major talking point, as contract negotiations have stalled according to Elliotte Friedman on the Fan Hockey Show. With a reported offer of around $9.5 million, and with the news of Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid signing, it appears the price has gone up to around $11 million average annual value (AAV).
Analysis: The McDavid and Kaprizov extensions have a part in this as well, with McDavid continuing on with a $12.5 million AAV. The Kings could look at that and ask Kempe to do the same to help the team go after some other players. In contrast, Kempe would likely be looking at the Kaprizov contract and getting the most out of the situation.
Adrian Kempe has been one of the better goal scorers in the NHL in the last five seasons, reaching the 30-goal mark four times. He’s spent his entire career so far with the Kings after being drafted 29th overall in 2014.
The Gap
Elliotte Friedman also on the Fan Hockey Show did mention that the two sides were “pretty far apart“, and adding “it’s been tough to bridge that gap.” For Kempe it’s likely to be the last big contract he’ll sign. Moreover, with him knowing only one NHL city, it could be something that does eventually bring the AAV down enough for the Kings to sign. The 29 year old does have a ten-team no-trade list and is in the final year of a four-year deal worth $5.5 million on the AAV.
What the Kings are Looking For
For the Kings, they can fit that salary into their cap space for next season, having a projected cap space of $33.725 million. The issue for the Kings is having to sign other deals to get to a 23-man roster next season as the Kings only have 15 players signed on their active roster. Hoping for a hometown discount to allow the team to bring in some other players and replace the retiring Anze Kopitar down the middle, would be the Kings management goal. The Kings still feel the window for a Stanley Cup is still open, but closing quickly.
It’s an interesting position for both sides, Kempe has known nothing but the LA scene in the NHL. For the Kings it’s the idea of having a drafted and developed player in the prime of his career potentially walking out the door. Teams will be hesitant to make a trade offer unless Kempe would be willing to sign long-term and if he chooses to only consider signing with one or two teams, could put the Kings in a difficult position of potentially getting lower value. If contract negotiations continue to stall, a move would be the only option.
There are some team that would be interested in the services of Adrian Kempe. Plus, they physically have the space to do so. The ability to be competitive and contend for a cup, isn’t a luxury had by all. Some teams that would be a fit would include the Anaheim Ducks, the Calgary Flames, and the Detroit Red Wings. Each are teams trending upwards, and adding a player of Kempe’s quality could be a huge difference maker.
Main Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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