Since his breakout 2021-22 season, Adrian Kempe has emerged as a star in the NHL.
Despite his consistent production over the last three seasons, Kempe remains an underrated player around the league.
In a recent Twitter poll by JFresh, Kempe was ranked the league's 67th best forward in the league.
Obviously, a fan voted player ranking shouldn't be taken seriously as a true ranking but it's interesting to see how the league's fans view players.
In Kempe's case, fans do not rate him highly enough.
Over the last three seasons Kempe's 104 goals puts him 26th in the league while his 196 points puts him 63rd.
His game isn't just about production though. Of players above Kempe in production over the last three seasons, just four of them have more hits than Kempe's 342.
Just two players who have scored more goals than Kempe have more hits.
Prior to last season, Kempe could be criticized for being one dimensional offensively, being a pure goal scorer.
But last season, Kempe rounded out his game and became more of a creator. He led the Kings in total assists and finished second in primary assists.
Combined with his elite puck carrying, Kempe was the Kings' most complete offensive threat last season.
Add-in his ability to play in all situations and excel on the penalty kill and you have a fantastic player.
He's also a playoff performer, leading the Kings in playoff scoring in each of their last three appearances with 19 points in 18 games.
Based purely on raw production, Kempe has a strong case to being underrated by fans.
When you factor in his physicality, rounded game and penalty killing, and you realize he's grossly underrated.
Kempe isn't in the highest echelon of forwards in the league, but he's undeniably a top-50 forward and had an argument to be even higher.
He's a star and the league might catch on soon if the Kings can make a deep playoff run.