Adrian Kempe: A Key Player in Kings' Present and Future Plans

Adrian Kempe continues solidifying his reputation in the NHL, now in his ninth season with the Kings. The speedy winger has evolved into a skilled finisher and a standout performer in significant games. With the Four Nations Faceoff approaching, Kempe is poised to take on an essential role for Team Sweden, as he was an easy choice to make the roster.

With all due respect to Slovenia and Drew Doughty's involvement in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, it's been some time since the Kings had a player of Kempe's caliber represent them on an international stage, especially considering Sweden's hockey pedigree. Even without this invitation, Kempe has arguably become the best player on the Kings roster.

Currently, Kempe is tied with Anze Kopitar for the team lead in points, both players having 43 points in 44 games—Kempe with 23 goals and 20 assists, boasting a +19 rating (best on the team). He is on track for his second 40-goal season or at least a lock of reaching 30 goals for the second time. Other than a few standout seasons from Tyler Toffoli in 2015-16, a Hart Trophy-nominated season from Kopitar, and Trevor Moore's 30-goal season, Kempe's consistent scoring ability has been a rare asset for a team historically challenged in this aspect.

Kempe's presence is critical for the Kings, as evidenced by a recent incident involving an awkward collision with Edmonton Oiler Adam Henrique. Many fans feared that this could derail Kempe's exceptional season and the King's season as a whole. But his ability to return and continue playing had been a significant relief for a team already struggling to find the back of the net, especially in the absence of the young shooter Alex Laferriere, who suffered an injury during the same game.

While Kopitar is enjoying a renaissance in his career, playing alongside Kempe has been one of his most advantageous pairings throughout his tenure. Since the 2021-22 season, this duo has been a mainstay on the Kings' top line. In 3,710 minutes played together, they have achieved a Corsi rating of 58.44% and a Fenwick rating of 58.50%. They have outshot opponents 2,228 to 1,568 and outscored them 258 to 147. Their dominance is evident, with Kempe contributing significantly through his speed, responsible two-way play, and elite finishing ability off the rush. It is likely the best player Kopitar has had on his wing, considering Kempe's goal-scoring pedigree and while in his prime.

One of Kempe's most promising attributes is that he is only 28 years old. This means he will likely spend at least the next two seasons alongside Kopitar on the top line and then have the opportunity to support Quinton Byfield, the future 1C, as he enters the league as the go-to guy for Los Angeles. Byfield will have the chance to be with a multiple 30-goal scorer early in his career, possibly even a two-time 40-goal scorer, as he transitions into his role after Kopitar retires.

Not only is it noteworthy that this year's Kings' MVP is performing well above the market value of his contract, but that he's in his prime, a proven big-game player, and a potential pivot for the Kings future forward schematic built around Byfield.

This positions the team well for a smooth transition to Byfield when Kopitar is gone and whets the appetite for the idea that Byfield could be a point-per-game player, if not more. With their already-established chemistry from playing together on a line with Kopitar, Kempe and Byfield could become a formidable duo in two seasons. At just 22, Byfield is already competing effectively against top competition and has seen significant breakout potential alongside Warren Foegele.

Keep in mind that Liam Greentree could soon make his mark during that two-year timeframe. The Kings' prospect pool has faced challenges in managing it, particularly from 2017 to 2020, meaning it is essential that Greentree becomes a solid player. Kempe and Byfield, having already demonstrated effective chemistry, will be critical in bridging the gap for the next generation of a potential top-flight winger in the franchise.

Kempe's importance for the Kings, both presently and in the future, is now receiving the recognition it deserves. He ranks tenth in goals from his draft class (just behind Viktor Arvidsson at ninth and Kevin Fiala at eighth) and twelfth in points—not bad for a 29th overall pick. For a player like Greentree, drafted 26th overall last year, Kempe provides invaluable experience and a roadmap for success as a late first-round pick, allowing Greentree the time needed to grow into a top-line winger.