Earlier this week, Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland confirmed that they are going to start discussions with Adrian Kempe on a contract extension. The Kings' top forward is entering the final year of his contract and this is something that needs to be a priority for the Kings, particularly one to get done sooner rather than later.
Kempe's last contract, which he signed with the Kings, was a four-year deal worth $22 million, and he has far exceeded that with his play after leading the team in points the past two seasons. He also has had 35 or more goals in two of the past three years of that contract and is just entering the prime of his career as he will turn 29 years old before this season.
Adrian Kempe's reported desired salary is more than reasonable for what he brings to the Los Angeles Kings
There was no question that he was going to get a good raise compared to his previous contract. The question was just how much that was going to be and if the reports are true, it isn't unrealistic.
According to David Pagnotta at The Fourth Period, Kempe is reportedly looking for a contract with an AAV that is around $10 million. If this is the salary, then negotiations shouldn't be that tough and the Kings should jump at this type of contract.
If Kempe gets a contract at or over $10 million per year, he will be the 17th player in the NHL who has surpassed that number. One of those players is a teammate of his in Drew Doughty, who has two seasons left at $11 million.
Previously, contracts at this size were rarely seen but moving forward are going to be much more common with the increases expected for the salary cap. The percentage of the salary cap that Kempe will command will only go down each season and is just another reason that this would be a big win for the Kings.
For the Kings, the ultimate goal is to get a deal done before the season as they do not want questions to pursuit over the course of the season. It sounds like it is top of mind for Ken Holland and now it is a matter of whether or not they can get it finalized.