Adrian Kempe continues to silence his critics

As a result of his play over the past two seasons, he has cemented himself on the top line. Kempe has also become a leader for the Kings and they rely on him to produce. 

The former first-round pick in the 2014 draft is on pace to eclipse his numbers from last year. However, he has shown growth in other aspects of his game as well. 

Kempe spoke on his success so far this season following his historic four consecutive goal performance in the win against Pittsburgh Saturday night. “Yeah I mean expectations go up after last year, not just for myself but as a team, and I think we’ve been getting better and better throughout the year, so have I myself.”  

He is correct on both fronts. The Kings started the year slowly but have picked it up recently posting a 15-6-2 record in their last 23. Kempe himself has raised his game as the year has progressed. 

In the first 39 games of the season, Kempe had registered 23 points. In his last 16 games, however, he has posted 19 points, including 14 goals. 

Kempe is also benefiting from the Kings’ revamped power play, where he has already surpassed his total goals on the man advantage from last season (6) compared to this year (8). 

Additionally, Kempe has become one of the Kings’ most effective penalty killers utilizing his size and speed when down a man.

It is somewhat rare for a team’s top-scoring winger to be a mainstay on the penalty kill, but that is exactly what Kempe has become.  Kempe is currently bringing his production up on both sides of the ice. His rating has also improved from last season as he was a -2 in 2021-22. This season he is a +7 and that is a direct result of his improved defensive play. 

Previous criticisms surrounding Kempe’s long-recognized potential that was often tempered by a relative inconsistency. All of that has been silenced by his play last year and so far this season. 

The Kings have helped develop Kempe into what he has become today, and he looks to be part of LA’s core for years to come.