Winger Adrian Kempe was one of multiple Los Angeles Kings players included in The Hockey News' top 100 NHL players rankings for 2026.
At the end of this past regular season, The Hockey News ranked the top 100 best players in the NHL for 2026. Kings' forward Kempe ranked 85th in the list of the top 100 best players in the NHL for this year in 2026.
The Hockey News originally released its Top 100 NHL Players list in a print-exclusive issue earlier this spring and is now unveiling the rankings online.
Adrian Kempe's combination of speed, scoring, and consistency suggests he deserves a much higher ranking
Several players ranked near Kempe bring different strengths to the table, whether it's defensive play, faceoff ability, or playmaking on special teams on the power play and in transition with the puck on his stick. But few combine goal-scoring production and offensive impact the way Kempe has for Los Angeles over the past few seasons.
Over the past several seasons, Kempe has established himself as one of the NHL's more consistent goal-scoring wingers. His combination of speed, finishing ability, and offensive production has made him the centerpiece of the Kings' attack, while multiple 30-goal seasons have helped cement his place among the league's better top-line forwards.
Few players ranked near Kempe can match his recent combination of goal scoring and point production. Consistently producing 30 goals and 70 points while serving as the primary offensive catalyst for a playoff team should carry more weight in a ranking of the league's best players.
Kempe has led the Kings in goals scored and total points in the last two consecutive seasons. He's also registered at least 70 points in the last three consecutive regular seasons for the Kings.
Part of the reason Kempe may continue to be overlooked nationally is that he plays on the West Coast for a team that has not made a deep playoff run in recent years. Despite consistently producing offensively, he rarely receives the same level of attention as comparable players in larger Eastern Conference markets.
The Kings have also failed to advance past the first round in five consecutive postseasons, limiting the national exposure Kempe receives compared to stars on teams that make deeper playoff runs.
Ranking among the NHL's top 100 players is certainly an accomplishment. But placing Kempe at No. 85 feels far too low for a player who has become one of the Kings' most important offensive weapons and one of the league's more reliable goal scorers. If anything, Kempe has earned a place much closer to the top half of the list than the bottom.
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