The talk of the town for the Los Angeles Kings and new general manager Ken Holland and the front office away from the ice early this regular season this fall is the contract extension discussions surrounding standout winger Adrian Kempe. Despite having ample time to get a contract extension negotiation finalized this fall, the Kings and Kempe don't appear to be close in discussions for his next deal going into next offseason.
Talks are reportedly still ongoing between the Los Angeles Kings and Adrian Kempe for the star wingers next contract extension this fall
Multiple reports over the past couple of months and in the past few weeks have indicated that Kempe's camp and representation and the Kings haven't gotten much closer in negotiations recently for his next contract deal. And it sounds like reports early this week don't give more clarity to the situation with the Kings and Kempe regarding the potential value and structure of his next contract with the team in LA.
David Pagnatta of The Fourth Period reported on Nov. 10 that Kempe is "believed to be looking for an eight-year extension" for his next contract deal that will be "worth somewhere in the $11 to $12 million ballpark" this season.
Given the size of the contracts that other star wingers around the league in the NHL just signed this fall in the past couple of months, it's not surprising to see Kempe wanting at least $11 million in average annual value on his next deal with the team.
Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers both signed sizable contract extensions recently this fall that crossed the threshold of $14 million in average annual value on those deals.
Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas also recently signed a contract extension in the Mile High City worth $11.5 million in average annual value over eight years.
This report from Pagnatta of TFP specifically mentioned that Kempe and the Kings are "not yet in the total ballpark" in the current contract negotiations for his next deal.
Kempe is currently in the final year of a four-year contract, worth $5.5 million in average annual value. He leads the team in total points (17) and assists (11) early this regular season after 16 games played in the West.