Adrian Kempe

Kempe was born on 13 September 1996 in Kramfors, Sweden.{{cite web |title=Adrian Kempe |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/86313/adrian-kempe |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=25 May 2024}}

Kempe made his Swedish Hockey League (SHL) debut playing with Modo Hockey during the 2013–14 season.{{cite web| url = http://www.modohockey.se/artikel/38230/ | title = Kempe brothers to play together as Adrian makes debut | publisher = Modo Hockey | date = 21 September 2013 | access-date = 21 September 2013| language = Swedish}} At the end of the season, Kempe was selected in the first round (29th overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite web |last1=Lew |first1=Deborah |title=Meet Adrian Kempe: LA Kings Rookie Forward |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/meet-adrian-kempe-la-kings-rookie-forward-294847946 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=11 January 2018}} He returned to Modo for the 2014–15 season.

Following the conclusion of his season with MODO, Kempe signed an amateur try-out agreement with the Kings American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs for the remainder of their regular season and the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs.{{cite web |title=Monarchs Sign Adrian Kempe to ATO |url=http://manchestermonarchs.com/news/monarchsnews/index.html?article_id=596 |publisher=Manchester Monarchs |access-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425101738/http://manchestermonarchs.com/news/monarchsnews/index.html?article_id=596 |archive-date=25 April 2015 |date=14 April 2015}} He also signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Kings for the 2015–16 season.{{cite web |title=2014 1st Round Pick Adrian Kempe Signed To Three-Year Entry-Level Contract |url=http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=763452 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422051737/http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=763452 |archive-date=22 April 2015 |date=15 April 2015}} Kempe made his AHL debut on 17 April against the Portland Pirates playing on the second line, but impressed head coach Mike Stothers enough that he was expected to move to the first line in his second game.{{cite web |last1=Tonge |first1=Andy |title=AHL: Monarchs Win In Kempe's Debut |url=https://mayorsmanor.com/2015/04/ahl-monarchs-win-in-kempes-debut/ |publisher=Mayors Manor |access-date=30 May 2024 |date=17 April 2015}} Over his next two games, Kempe played on the Monarchs top line alongside Brian O'Neill and Jordan Weal.{{cite news |title=Monarchs Scouting Report: Adrian Kempe |url=https://www.unionleader.com/sports/monarchs/monarchs-scouting-report-adrian-kempe/article_a1a9baf1-fcc1-5692-a21b-d1b48a2238a1.html |access-date=30 May 2024 |publisher=Union-Leader |date=22 April 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240530234341/https://www.unionleader.com/sports/monarchs/monarchs-scouting-report-adrian-kempe/article_a1a9baf1-fcc1-5692-a21b-d1b48a2238a1.html |archive-date=30 May 2024}} Once the Monarchs qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs, Kempe developed into an integral role with the team. He scored his first AHL playoff goal in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Pirates to help the Monarchs advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.{{cite web |last1=Tonge |first1=Andy |title=AHL: Monarchs Survive, Advance To Conference Semifinals |url=https://mayorsmanor.com/2015/05/ahl-monarchs-survive-advance-to-conference-semifinals/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |location=Mayors Manor |date=2 May 2015}} Kempe then scored goals in Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals to help the Monarchs sweep the Hartford Wolf Pack.{{cite web|last1=Tonge|first1=Andy|title=From zany fashion to blazing speed, Kings prospect Kempe is one to watch |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/from-zany-fashion-to-blazing-speed-kings-prospect-kempe-is-one-to-watch |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=25 May 2024 |date=3 August 2015}} In Game 5 of the Calder Cup Finals, Kempe and Vincent LoVerde scored within four minutes of each other to help the Monarchs clinch their first Calder Cup.{{cite web |last1=Clinton |first1=Jared |title=Manchester Monarchs capture Calder Cup with 2-1 Game 5 victory |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/manchester-monarchs-capture-calder-cup-with-2-1-game-5-victory |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=25 May 2024 |date=14 June 2015}} This would also be the Monarchs final season in the AHL as Kings announced that they would be moving their AHL affiliate to Ontario, California and renaming them the Ontario Reign.{{cite web | url=http://www.ontarioreign.com/news/teamnews/?article_id=2455| title=Reign Become the AHL Affiliate of LA Kings | publisher=Ontario Reign| date=30 January 2015 | access-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203010110/http://www.ontarioreign.com/news/teamnews/?article_id=2455|archive-date=3 February 2015}} Kempe finished the playoffs with eight goals and one assist for nine points over 17 games.

File:Adrian Kempe (cropped).jpg

After attending the Kings 2015 training camp, Kempe was re-assigned to the Reign for the 2015–16 season.{{cite news |last1=Hammond |first1=Richard |title=KINGS: Cut 18 from roster |url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2015/09/26/kings-cut-18-from-roster/ |access-date=25 May 2024 |publisher=The Press-Enterprise |date=26 September 2015}} As he was coming to the NHL from Europe, he was eligible to spend the full 2015–16 season in the AHL if he failed to qualify for the NHL team.{{cite web |last1=Dadoun |first1=Ryan |title='14 first-rounder Kempe joins Kings' AHL affiliate |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/14-first-rounder-kempe-joins-kings-ahl-affiliate |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=25 May 2024 |date=14 April 2015}}{{#tag:ref|Per the NHL and CHL agreement, "a signed player aged 18 or 19 who was claimed from a CHL club and is not retained by the NHL club, must be assigned to the CHL junior club whom he last played for or owes a contractual obligation."{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Bill |title=Who can play where… and why |url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/who-can-play-where-and-why/c-889461 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012212637/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/who-can-play-where-and-why/c-889461 |archive-date=12 October 2017 |date=15 July 2016}}|group=notes}} Due to injuries throughout the lineup, Kempe spent the majority of the season playing centre as opposed to his typical winger position.{{cite news |title=Crowded field competing for Kings' third- and fourth-line center spots |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2016/09/27/crowded-field-competing-for-kings-third-and-fourth-line-center-spots/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Orange County Register |date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530225728/https://www.ocregister.com/2016/09/27/crowded-field-competing-for-kings-third-and-fourth-line-center-spots/ |archive-date=30 May 2024}} Kempe began the season scoring one goal over eight games before recording his first AHL hat-trick on 5 November to lead the team 4–1 over the San Diego Gulls.{{cite news |last1=Nguyen |first1=Alexander |title=Ontario's Hat Trick Leads to Gulls' First Loss of the Season |url=https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2015/11/05/ontarios-hat-trick-leads-to-gulls-first-loss-of-the-season/ |access-date=25 May 2024 |publisher=Times of San Diego |date=5 November 2015}} He missed some time in December to compete with Team Sweden at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.{{cite news |last1=Alfano |first1=George |title=REIGN: Kempe surges in AHL |url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2016/01/15/reign-kempe-surges-in-ahl/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |publisher=Press-Enterprise |date=15 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531004923/https://www.pressenterprise.com/2016/01/15/reign-kempe-surges-in-ahl/ |archive-date=31 May 2024}} He finished his rookie season with the Reign with 11 goals and 17 assists over 55 games.

Kempe began the 2016–17 season with the Reign after attending the Los Angeles Kings training camp.{{cite news |title=Reign ready for 'fun time' and start of second AHL season |url=https://www.dailybulletin.com/2016/10/13/reign-ready-for-fun-time-and-start-of-second-ahl-season/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Daily Bulletin |date=13 October 2016}} As a centreman, Kempe struggled at the start of the season, scoring three goals and two assists over 16 games. He was switched back to left wing on 3 December to improve his offensive play.{{cite web |last1=Matsuda |first1=Gann |title=LA Kings' Top Prospect Adrian Kempe Is Struggling To Improve |url=https://frozenroyalty.net/2016/12/06/kempe-struggling/ |publisher=Frozen Royalty |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=6 December 2016}} He slowly improved through the next few months and added 14 points by mid-February.{{cite news |last1=Teaford |first1=Elliott |title=Adrian Kempe gives LA Kings an early look at the future |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2017/02/16/adrian-kempe-gives-la-kings-an-early-look-at-the-future/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Daily News |date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531002824/https://www.dailynews.com/2017/02/16/adrian-kempe-gives-la-kings-an-early-look-at-the-future/ |archive-date=31 May 2024}} Kempe earned his first NHL recall on 15 February 2017,{{cite web |title=Adrian Kempe, Paul Ladue Recalled from Ontario (AHL) |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/adrian-kempe-paul-ladue-recalled-from-ontario-ahl-286760322 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=15 February 2017}} and he made his NHL debut the following day against the Arizona Coyotes. He recorded his first NHL point on 21 February by assisting on Tyler Toffoli's goal against the Colorado Avalanche{{cite web |title=Brodzinski, Kempe, LaDue Assigned to Ontario Reign |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/brodzinski-kempe-ladue-assigned-to-ontario-reign-288651748 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=10 April 2017}} and scored his first goal on 11 March against the Washington Capitals.{{cite web |title=Kempe's first NHL goal propels Kings past slumping Capitals |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/kempes-first-nhl-goal-propels-kings-past-slumping-capitals/ |publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=31 May 2024 |date=12 March 2017}} Kempe played in 25 games for the Kings, recording two goals and four assists for six points, before being re-assigned to the AHL on 10 April. Kempe finished the regular season with the Reign with 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points over 46 games.

When attending the Kings 2017 training camp, Kempe was put on a line with Justin Auger and Kyle Clifford.{{cite news |last1=Fowler |first1=Clay |title=Adrian Kempe is Kings' best chance to add much-needed speed |url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2017/09/14/adrian-kempe-is-kings-best-chance-to-add-much-needed-speed/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Press-Enterprise |date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531002933/https://www.pressenterprise.com/2017/09/14/adrian-kempe-is-kings-best-chance-to-add-much-needed-speed/ |archive-date=31 May 2024}} After qualifying for the Kings 2017–18 opening night roster, Kempe switched from No. 39 to No. 9.{{cite web |title=2017 Opening Night Roster; LA Kings Recall LaDue from AHL, Martinez to IR |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/2017-opening-night-roster-la-kings-recall-ladue-from-ahl-martinez-to-ir/c-291518990 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008064843/https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/2017-opening-night-roster-la-kings-recall-ladue-from-ahl-martinez-to-ir/c-291518990 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |date=5 October 2017}} He had worn the No. 9 growing up when playing soccer, in honour of Fernando Torres, and 10 when playing hockey.{{cite web |last1=Stephens |first1=Eric |title=The L.A. Kings and their jersey numbers — what's the story behind each choice? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4312499/2023/03/16/la-kings-jersey-numbers/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531013146/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4312499/2023/03/16/la-kings-jersey-numbers/ |archive-date=31 May 2024 |date=16 March 2023}} Kempe began the season on a line with Michael Cammalleri and Trevor Lewis{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Ryan |title=Kings rookie Kempe looking to stick around and make his mark –– and a hat trick certainly helps |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/kings-rookie-kempe-looking-to-stick-around-and-make-his-mark-and-a-hat-trick-certainly-helps |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=19 October 2017}} but struggled to score through his first five games.{{cite web |last1=McCaig |first1=Sam |title=Calder Trophy Long Shots: The 10 best-of-the-rest rookies in the NHL |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/calder-trophy-long-shots-the-10-best-of-the-rest-rookies-in-the-nhl |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=8 February 2018}} After tallying his first NHL hat-trick on 18 October in a 5–1 win over the Montreal Canadiens,{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Dan |title=Kempe gets hat trick, Kings defeat Canadiens |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-los-angeles-kings-game-recap-292068942 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=19 October 2017}} he added three more over the next four games.{{cite news |last1=Beacon |first1=Bill |title=L.A.'s Adrian Kempe piling up goals against Canadian teams |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/l-a-s-adrian-kempe-piling-up-goals-against-canadian-teams/article_5978159a-aaf9-59fa-8eb3-05cd0290eafb.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Toronto Star |date=26 October 2017}} An injury to Jeff Carter in late October resulted in Kempe moving onto the Kings second line with Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson.{{cite web |last1=Morreale |first1=Mike G. |title=Rookie watch: Kempe stepping up for Kings |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/rookie-watch-adrian-kempe-stepping-up-for-los-angeles-kings-292649386 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=6 November 2017}} Through his first 21 games, Kempe tallied 13 points and was tied for third in goals among rookies with seven.{{cite web |last1=McCaig |first1=Sam |title=The Freshman Effect: An NHL Team-by-Team Rookie Compendium |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-freshman-effect-an-nhl-team-by-team-rookie-compendium |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=25 November 2017}} While playing with Toffoli and Pearson, Kempe scored 14 goals through his first 44 games but was bumped back to the third-line once Carter recovered from his injury. He struggled to keep up his scoring pace on the third line and was reunited with Toffoli and Pearson after a 17-game scoring drought.{{cite news |last1=Zupke |first1=Chris |title=Kings' Adrian Kempe hopes a reunion with Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli can spark his offense |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ducks/la-sp-kings-report-20180314-story.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=14 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315201628/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ducks/la-sp-kings-report-20180314-story.html |archive-date=15 March 2018}} Although he struggled to score, Kempe became the first Kings rookie since 2009 to record 20 assists in a season.{{cite news |last1=Whicker |first1=Mark |title=Whicker: Adrian Kempe draws up a winning picture for Kings |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/03/27/whicker-adrian-kempe-draws-up-a-winning-picture-for-kings/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Daily News |date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327101316/https://www.dailynews.com/2018/03/27/whicker-adrian-kempe-draws-up-a-winning-picture-for-kings/ |archive-date=27 March 2018}} Despite not scoring in the final 33 games of the regular season and playoffs, Kempe finished his rookie season with 16 goals and 37 points through 81 games.{{cite news |last1=Zupke |first1=Curtis |title=Kings hope Adrian Kempe's performance in World Championship translates to NHL success |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-ducks-20180929-story.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930075010/https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-ducks-20180929-story.html# |archive-date=30 September 2018}}

Kempe returned to the Kings lineup for the 2018–19 season,{{cite web |title=NHL opening night rosters for 2018-19 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2018-2019-nhl-opening-night-rosters-300568996 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=3 October 2018}} where he was expected to play as a winger on their second line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Jeff Carter.{{cite news |last1=Zupke |first1=Curtis |title=Kings hope Adrian Kempe's performance in World Championship translates to NHL success |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-ducks-20180929-story.html |access-date=2 June 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930075010/https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-ducks-20180929-story.html# |archive-date=30 September 2018}} Due to injuries throughout the lineup, Kempe began playing alongside rookies Matt Luff and Austin Wagner on the Kings third line.{{cite news |last1=Morales |first1=Robert |title=Kings looking for right fit for struggling Ilya Kovalchuk |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/11/26/kings-looking-for-right-fit-for-struggling-ilya-kovalchuk/ |access-date=14 June 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Daily News |date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127114112/https://www.dailynews.com/2018/11/26/kings-looking-for-right-fit-for-struggling-ilya-kovalchuk/ |archive-date=27 November 2018}} After scoring three goals and four assists through 26 games, Kempe suffered a lower-body injury near the end of November.{{cite web |title=Kings center Adrian Kempe day to day with upper-body injury |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nhl&id=25438812 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=14 June 2024 |date=2 December 2018}} He missed one game before returning on 4 December for a game against his brother and the Arizona Coyotes.{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Dan |title=Coyotes at Kings preview |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-los-angeles-kings-game-preview-302597486 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=4 December 2018}} Kempe then experienced a 19-game scoring drought from 13 December until the start of February.{{cite news |last1=Zupke |first1=Curtis |title=Adrian Kempe salvaging his season for the Kings after scoring slump |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-report-20190313-story.html |access-date=9 July 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=13 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314202051/https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-report-20190313-story.html |archive-date=14 March 2019}} Through February, Kempe returned to his scoring form and quickly tallied four goals and four assists in three games for eight points.{{cite web |title=Player of the Month: Adrian Kempe |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/player-of-the-month-adrian-kempe-305325558 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 June 2024 |date=4 March 2019}} As he began scoring more, Kempe also earned more ice time and typically averaged more than 14 minutes per game. From 2 February to 13 March, Kempe tallied six goals and 12 points over 18 games. He finished the season with 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points over 81 games.{{cite web |title=LA Kings Sign Adrian Kempe to Three-Year Contract Extension |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/la-kings-sign-adrian-kempe-to-three-year-contract-extension-308877116 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=4 September 2019}} Once the season had concluded, Kempe joined Team Sweden to compete at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web |title=Adrian Kempe Set to Join Team Sweden for 2019 IIHF World Championship |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/adrian-kempe-set-to-join-team-sweden-for-2019-iihf-world-championship-306897776 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=19 April 2019}} On 4 September 2019, the Kings signed Kempe to a three-year, $6 million contract extension.

Kempe struggled at the start of the 2019–20, resulting in him being demoted to the fourth line and playing limited ice time.{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Jack |title=Kings coach on Adrian Kempe: 'He's got to be way more productive than he's been' |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/story/2019-10-16/kings-adrian-kempe |access-date=14 June 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016221647/https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/story/2019-10-16/kings-adrian-kempe |archive-date=16 October 2019}} Through the first 17 games of the season, Kempe scored one goal and three assists.{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Dan |title=Kings rally to defeat Red Wings on Iafallo OT goal |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-los-angeles-kings-game-recap-311305418 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 June 2024 |date=15 November 2019}} He was made a healthy scratch for a November game against the Minnesota Wild{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Dan |title=Kopitar, Walker each has goal, assist for Kings in victory against Wild |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-los-angeles-kings-game-recap-311212434 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 June 2024 |date=13 November 2019}} before returning to the lineup as a left winger instead of center. After scoring his 10th goal of the season on 9 January, Kempe experienced an 18-game scoring drought that was broken on 29 February. When he broke his scoring drought in a game against the New Jersey Devils, he also recorded his 100th NHL point.{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Dan |title=Kempe OT goal lifts Kings past Devils |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/new-jersey-devils-los-angeles-kings-game-recap-315687868 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=11 July 2024 |date=29 February 2020}} When the NHL paused play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kempe led the team with four shorthanded points while averaging 16:01 of ice time per game.{{cite web |last1=Compton |first1=Brian |title=Los Angeles Kings season snapshot awards |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-20-los-angeles-award-worthy-candidates-316171764 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=17 April 2020}}

File:Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken - April 1, 2023 - Adrian Kempe and Matt Roy (52787336957).jpg during the 2022–23 season.]]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was reduced to 56 games and began on 13 January 2021.{{cite web |title=NHL 2020-21 season FAQ: Answering key questions ahead of unique year |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-2020-21-faq-answering-key-questions-ahead-unique-season/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=11 July 2024 |date=21 December 2020}} During the shortened season, Kempe was on pace to set new career highs in goals and assists.{{cite web |title=Hear from Six LA Kings Players During Exit Interviews |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/hear-from-six-la-kings-players-during-exit-interviews-324713476 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=11 July 2024 |date=14 May 2021}} He earned praise from head coach Todd McLellan for being a versatile player who was able to play different positions whenever needed.{{cite news |last1=Knoll |first1=Andrew |title=Durable, versatile Adrian Kempe invaluable to Kings |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2021/03/19/durable-adrian-kempe-proving-invaluable-to-kings/ |access-date=11 July 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Daily News |date=19 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320034944/https://www.dailynews.com/2021/03/19/durable-adrian-kempe-proving-invaluable-to-kings/ |archive-date=20 March 2021}} On 9 March 2021, Kempe recorded his second career hat-trick and the first by a Kings player against the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |title=Adrian Kempe Scores Franchise's First Hat Trick Against Anaheim Ducks |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/adrian-kempe-scores-franchise-s-first-hat-trick-against-anaheim-ducks-322303712 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=9 March 2021}} He finished the season with 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points and was named to Team Sweden for the 2021 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web |title=Ten LA Kings Players Named to 2021 World Championship Rosters |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/ten-la-kings-players-named-to-2021-world-championship-rosters-324648170 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=11 July 2024 |date=14 May 2021}}

Entering his sixth season with the Kings, 2021–22 would be a breakout year for Kempe, who posted new career highs scoring 35 goals and 54 points. He would also participate in his first NHL All-Star Game, held in Las Vegas; he is the only player from the Kings named to the All Stars this season.{{cite web|title=Kings' Adrian Kempe makes 1st All-Star team; Doughty, Kopitar snubbed|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/13/kings-adrian-kempe-makes-1st-all-star-team-doughty-kopitar-snubbed/|website=www.ocregister.com|date=14 January 2022 |access-date=14 January 2022}}

On 10 July 2022, Kempe signed a four-year, $22 million extension with the Kings.{{cite news |title=Kings' Adrian Kempe agrees to four-year, $22-million extension |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/story/2022-07-10/kings-adrian-kempe-agree-4-year-22-million-dollar-extension |access-date=25 May 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=10 July 2022}} Kempe would once again lead the Kings in goals scored, adding 41 goals to his total, and becoming the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to score 40 goals in a season.{{cite news |last1=Elliot |first1=Helene |title=Column: After King-sized improvement, Adrian Kempe has shot at scoring milestone |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/story/2023-03-30/adrian-kempe-kings-40-goals-luc-robitaille-1993 |access-date=25 May 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=30 March 2023}}

{{MedalTableTop|name=}}

{{MedalCountry|{{SWE}}}}

{{MedalSport|Ice hockey}}

{{MedalCompetition|World Championships}}

{{MedalGold|2018 Denmark|}}

{{MedalBronze|2024 Czechia|}}

{{MedalBottom}}

Kempe has represented Sweden at the junior and senior levels in international competitions. He represented Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, where they won a gold medal,{{cite web |last1=Vickers |first1=Aaron |title=Adrian Kempe and Team Sweden Take Home Gold from 2018 World Championship |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/adrian-kempe-and-team-sweden-take-home-gold-from-2018-world-championsh-298726900 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=22 May 2018}} and at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where they won a bronze medal.{{cite web |last1=Stanovich |first1=Austin |title=Kings Fiala Collects World Championships MVP |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/los-angeles-kings-kevin-fiala-world-championships-mvp |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=27 May 2024}}

Kempe's older brother Mario also played professional ice hockey, including 52 games with the Arizona Coyotes.{{cite web |last1=Vest |first1=Dave |title='Yotes Notes: Kempe Hoping to Play vs. Younger Brother for First Time |url=https://www.nhl.com/coyotes/news/yotes-notes-kempe-hoping-to-play-vs-younger-brother-for-first-time/c-302569380 |website=NHL.com |access-date=13 December 2018 |date=3 December 2018}}

Kempe's nickname "Juice" originated during the Monarch's playoff run to the 2015 Calder Cup, in which the 18-year-old Kempe scored eight goals. His teammates and coaches described him as "having the juice" due to his impressive performance.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2022 |title=NHL Power Rankings: A fun fact about every All-Star |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33186190/nhl-power-rankings-1-32-poll-plus-fun-fact-every-all-star |access-date=25 October 2023 |website=ESPN}}{{Cite web |date=26 September 2016 |title=LA Kings LW Prospect Adrian Kempe "Has Some Juice To His Game" |url=https://frozenroyalty.net/2016/09/25/kempe/ |access-date=25 October 2023 |website=Frozen Royalty}}

In terms of investments, Kempe became part-owner of Swedish esports organization EYEBALLERS in May 2024.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2024 |title=Victor Leksell, Adrian Kempe and GeoGuessr co-founders joins the EYEBALLERS family |url=https://www.eyeballers.net/post/victor-leksell-adrian-kempe-geoguessr-co-founders-joins-the-eyeballers-family |website=EYEBALLERS}}

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• {{Ice hockey stats}}

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{{succession box | before = Tanner Pearson | title = Los Angeles Kings first round draft pick | years = 2014 | after = Gabriel Vilardi}}

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Category:1996 births

Category:Living people

Category:Los Angeles Kings draft picks

Category:Los Angeles Kings players

Category:Manchester Monarchs (AHL) players

Category:Modo Hockey players

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:Ontario Reign (AHL) players

Category:People from Kramfors

Category:Swedish ice hockey forwards

Category:Ice hockey people from Västernorrland County

Category:21st-century Swedish sportsmen

Category:4 Nations Face-Off players