The temperature of contract talks between the Los Angeles Kings and their star forward, Adrian Kempe, is on the rise, and the recent signings of Kirill Kaprizov and Kyle Connor have only added fuel to the fire. As an NHL analyst, I’ve been following this situation closely, and it’s becoming a high-stakes game of chicken that could see Kempe testing the open market.
Kempe’s Contract Conundrum
The Kings are in a tough spot. They have a player in Kempe who has become a vital part of their offense, a consistent goal-scorer who brings speed and skill to their lineup. However, the market for top-tier wingers has been set, and it’s a pricey one. Reports from Pierre LeBrun confirm that William Nylander’s $11.5 million AAV contract has been a talking point in negotiations.
Now, with Kyle Connor inking a deal worth a staggering $12 million AAV, Kempe’s camp has even more ammunition. The rumors I’m hearing suggest Kempe’s agent is eyeing a figure somewhere in the $11 million to $12 million range.
Is Kempe Worth That Much?
Here’s where it gets tricky for the Kings’ front office. Can you truly place Kempe in the same elite category as Nylander and Connor? While Kempe is a fantastic player, a case can be made that he doesn’t possess the same game-breaking offensive talent as those two. But here’s the kicker: the rising salary cap. An $11 million to $12 million cap hit today won’t look as daunting in a couple of years when the cap is projected to be significantly higher.
For the Los Angeles Kings, this is a calculated risk. Do they overpay a little now to lock up a core player, or do they risk losing him for nothing in free agency? The clock is ticking, and the entire league is watching to see who blinks first.
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