Adrian Kempe Bio
Michael Adrian Kempe is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays right wing and serves as an alternate captain for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Kramfors, Sweden, he was selected by the Kings in the first round, 29th overall, of the 2014 NHL entry draft. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing roughly 194 pounds, Kempe combines size with speed and has become one of the most reliable scorers on the Kings roster.
Early Life and Background
Michael Adrian Kempe was born on 13 September 1996 in Kramfors, a small coastal town in northern Sweden. Growing up in a hockey-oriented family, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the game. His older brother, Mario Kempe, also pursued professional ice hockey, eventually playing 52 games with the Arizona Coyotes, which provided Adrian with a close role model and an early understanding of the demands of the sport.
As a youth, Kempe played both soccer and hockey, eventually favoring hockey as his primary focus. While playing soccer, he wore jersey number 9 in honor of Spanish striker Fernando Torres, and he later adopted the number 9 in hockey as well, a number he would carry into his NHL career. His development in Sweden’s junior system helped him attract the attention of national scouts and set the stage for his professional career.
Path to Hockey
Kempe joined Modo Hockey, a club in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), and made his senior debut during the 2013–14 season at just 17 years old. His performance during that rookie SHL campaign showcased his offensive instincts and two-way responsibility, traits that translated well to the North American style of play. Following the conclusion of that season, the Los Angeles Kings selected him 29th overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft.
After being drafted, Kempe returned to Modo for the 2014–15 season, where he continued to refine his game and prepare for the transition to professional hockey in North America. His time in Sweden helped him build the strength and tactical awareness needed to compete at higher levels.
Adrian Kempe Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Following the conclusion of his season with Modo, Kempe signed an amateur try-out agreement with the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, joining them for the remainder of the regular season and the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs. He also signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings. He made his AHL debut on 17 April against the Portland Pirates and quickly impressed head coach Mike Stothers, eventually skating on the Monarchs’ top line. During the playoff run, Kempe scored eight goals and one assist for nine points over 17 games, helping the Monarchs capture their first Calder Cup.
After attending the Kings’ 2015 training camp, Kempe was assigned to the Ontario Reign for the 2015–16 season. Due to injuries, he spent much of the year playing center rather than his natural wing position. He finished his rookie AHL season with 11 goals and 17 assists over 55 games. He began the 2016–17 season with the Reign before earning his first NHL recall in February 2017. He made his NHL debut on 16 February 2017 against the Arizona Coyotes, recorded his first NHL point on 21 February, and scored his first NHL goal on 11 March against the Washington Capitals.
NHL Breakthrough (2017–2021)
Kempe made the Kings’ opening night roster in 2017–18 and switched from number 39 to number 9. He opened the season on a line with Michael Cammalleri and Trevor Lewis before moving to the second line alongside Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson. On 18 October 2017, he recorded his first NHL hat-trick in a 5–1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. He finished his rookie NHL season with 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 81 games, becoming the first Kings rookie since 2009 to record 20 assists.
Over the following seasons, Kempe continued to develop into a versatile two-way forward. During the 2020–21 shortened season, he recorded his second career hat-trick on 9 March 2021, the first by a Kings player against the Anaheim Ducks, finishing with 14 goals and 15 assists. On 4 September 2019, the Kings signed him to a three-year, $6 million contract extension, reflecting his growing importance to the franchise.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2021–Present)
The 2021–22 season marked Kempe’s true offensive breakthrough, as he posted new career highs with 35 goals and 54 points and participated in his first NHL All-Star Game in Las Vegas, the only Kings player named to the All-Stars that year. Building on that momentum, he led the Kings in goals during the 2022–23 season with 41 goals, becoming the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to reach the 40-goal mark in a single campaign.
On 10 July 2022, Kempe signed a four-year, $22 million contract extension with the Kings. Then, on 17 November 2025, coming into the final year of that deal, he signed an eight-year, $85 million extension to remain with the Kings through the 2033–34 season, underscoring his value as a core piece of the franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kempe is recognized for his versatility, able to play both wing and center, his strong skating, and his willingness to play in all situations, including the penalty kill. Head coach Todd McLellan has praised him for being a flexible forward capable of filling multiple roles. His combination of speed, finishing ability, and two-way responsibility makes him a dependable top-six contributor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Kempe’s signature moments are his first NHL hat-trick against the Montreal Canadiens in October 2017, his 40-goal season in 2022–23 that placed him alongside Kings legend Luc Robitaille, and his second career hat-trick against the Anaheim Ducks in 2021. He also recorded his 100th NHL point on 29 February 2020 against the New Jersey Devils.
Adrian Kempe Career Wins
While individual goal totals are tracked rather than traditional wins in hockey, Adrian Kempe has accumulated impressive scoring achievements across his professional career. From his AHL playoff success with the Manchester Monarchs to multiple 30-plus goal NHL seasons, he has consistently delivered offensive production for his teams.
Los Angeles Kings Highlights
With the Kings, Kempe has recorded two 30-plus goal seasons, including a career-high 41 goals in 2022–23, becoming the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to score 40 goals in a season. He has also appeared in the NHL All-Star Game and has been a consistent presence on the Kings’ top scoring lines since his rookie year.
Other Wins and Performances
On the international stage, Kempe represented Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, where Sweden won a gold medal, and at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where Sweden earned a bronze medal. He has also represented Sweden at multiple World Junior Championships during his development years.
Adrian Kempe Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kempe comes from a hockey family in Kramfors, Sweden. His older brother, Mario Kempe, also played professional ice hockey, including 52 games with the Arizona Coyotes, providing Adrian with a direct connection to the NHL from a young age.
Personal Life
Nicknamed “Juice” by his teammates, the moniker originated during the Manchester Monarchs’ 2015 Calder Cup playoff run, when the 18-year-old Kempe scored eight goals and was described as “having the juice” for his standout performance. Outside of hockey, Kempe became a part-owner of the Swedish esports organization EYEBALLERS in May 2024.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal chapter for Adrian Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings. On 17 November 2025, Kempe signed a major eight-year, $85 million contract extension, cementing his long-term future with the franchise and reinforcing his role as one of the team’s offensive leaders. The extension signals the Kings’ commitment to building around his scoring touch and two-way play.
As an alternate captain, Kempe continues to provide veteran stability on a Kings roster that has steadily improved in the Western Conference. His track record of 30-plus goal seasons and his ability to play in all situations make him a central figure in the team’s competitive outlook heading into the season.
With several productive years ahead under his new deal, Kempe is positioned to remain a key contributor for the Kings while also serving as a leader in the locker room, helping guide the team’s younger forwards as the franchise pursues playoff success.