The Los Angeles Kings are hoping to get back to the postseason and finally get past the first round, but one thing is looming over them as the season inches closer, and that's the pending contract status of forward Adrian Kempe.

In a recent article from David Pagnotta with The Fourth Period, he reports that Kempe is looking for an eight-year deal around the $10 million mark annually, while the Kings started talks under $9 million annually. 

Kempe, who is 28 years old, is entering the final season of his current four-year deal that has a $5,500,000 cap hit. Last season, he scored 35 goals and added 38 assists for 73 points through 81 games, which comes out to a 0.90 points-per-game average. 

With over $33 million in cap space for the 2026-27 season, the Kings have more than enough flexibility to try and get a deal done with Kempe at their price tag. Time will tell what the final deal looks like, but it seems as though the two sides remain extremely interested in getting a deal done. 

Stay tuned in with your Los Angeles Kings here at The Hockey News, as the 2025-26 season inches closer.