Kempe, 25, led the club in goals last season with 35, which tied for the most in a single season by a Kings player since Ziggy Palffy potted 37 in 2002-03.
The Kings and forward Adrian Kempe have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $22 million, the team announced Sunday.
Kempe, 25, led the club in goals last season with 35, which tied with Anze Kopitar and Alexander Frolov for highest total in a single season by a Kings player since Ziggy Palffy potted 37 in 2002-3. It was Kempe’s fifth full campaign with the Kings after being selected 29th overall in 2014. His previous career high for goals had been 16.
General Manager Rob Blake had spoken publicly twice since the Kings were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs’ first round. Both times he emphasized that Kempe’s extension was the team’s top priority, as Kempe could otherwise have become a restricted free agent with arbitration eligibility on July 13 had the Kings.
Kempe’s extension is decidedly shorter and less lucrative than that of another restricted free agent to-be and breakout player turned cornerstone signing for the Kings, forward Kevin Fiala. Fiala’s statistical progression may have been more linear and his point total higher, but he still saw an abrupt rise in production last season.
Previously used as both a center and a wing, as well as an entry specialist who could move all around the offensive zone on power plays, Kempe found a home last year on the right wing of Kopitar. Fiala is expected to complete the Kings’ top trio next season.