It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the summer, but there’s plenty to discuss when it comes to team activities. Clubs have made plenty of moves, but this is the quiet part of the NHL calendar. However, there is still some things happening in the background. We’ve seen some teams already start up extension talks with some key forwards.
This edition of NHL rumours deals with the Los Angeles Kings and the beginning of talks to keep an important player.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Extension Talks Begin For Important Los Angeles Kings Player
Rumour: The Fourth Period reports that contract extension talks have begun between the Kings and Swedish forward Adrian Kempe.
Analysis: Kempe can sign a contract extension at any point due to him entering the final year of his deal. The 28-year-old is in the last year of a four-year contract that sees him getting $5.5 million. This contract has seemingly been a steal for Los Angeles, but it looks like the veteran forward will have a chance to cash in soon.
New Kings General Manager Ken Holland has been busy this summer. However, signing Kempe seems to be a priority for the longtime executive. Holland said that the two sides have talked “a couple of times” over the summer. Kempe is represented by JP Barry and Holland added that the Kings would like to sign Barry’s client.
Holland also added that he thinks Kempe would like to stay with the club. However, Kempe might be looking for a significant pay raise. The Fourth Period reports that Kempe’s camp is seeking around $10 million for his next deal.
This contract is going to be an important one, but there is plenty to think about when it comes to keeping Kempe in the fold. A Kings legend also has to figure out his future with the club.
What It Means
The rising salary camp will give Holland some wiggle room, but he’ll have try and find a way to keep Kempe and Anze Kopitar on the roster. Kopitar is the longtime Kings captain and who is coming into the last year of his contract. There’s uncertainty regarding his future with the club with the possibility of retirement on the table.
The Slovenian star is likely to take his time before deciding his future with the team. Kopitar’s future could tie into what the Kings do and how they handle the Kempe contract. LA’s captain is soon to be 38 years old and is making $7 million in the last year of his deal.
Signing Kempe is likely the next big thing for Holland this coming off-season. The team does have to figure out a contract for restricted free agent Alex Laferriere this summer. Los Angeles has over $6.7 million in cap space heading into the 2025-26 season. However, some of that money will have to go to the former Harvard University standout.
Kempe’s contract will loom large this coming season. Other extension talks like that for Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov and Jack Eichel may get the spotlight. However, this extension may be a very important one.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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