Star Forward's Lofty Contract Demands Make John Tavares Deal Look Even Better for the Leafs

Recent reports indicate that Adrian Kempe and the Los Angeles Kings have opened contract extension talks, but the early numbers being discussed are raising eyebrows and are making the sweetheart deal John Tavares took with the Maple Leafs seem even better.

According to multiple sources, Kempe is seeking an eight-year deal worth north of $10 million annually.

At 28 years old, the term itself likely isn't a sticking point for Los Angeles. The issue is the price tag. Kempe is coming off a strong season, recording 35 goals and 73 points in 81 games, while adding 4 goals and 10 points in just 6 playoff games against the Edmonton Oilers. Offensively, there's no denying his value as he's been a consistent producer for the Kings.

However, his defensive numbers tell a different story. Despite his offensive surge in the playoffs, Kempe finished the series with a -8 rating against Edmonton, raising questions about his two-way reliability. Committing over $10 million annually to a player who still has gaps in his defensive game could put the Kings in a bind, especially as the deal progresses into his mid-30s.

History also plays a factor here. New Kings GM Ken Holland has a reputation for handing out long, expensive contracts that often don't age well. The most glaring example is Darnell Nurse's $9.25 million AAV deal that runs until 2030.

Nurse is a good defenseman, but his contract has become a point of constant scrutiny for the Oilers.

To put that into perspective, consider John Tavares. The veteran center, now 34, produced a near-identical stat line last season with 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games.

Despite reports suggesting some teams were willing to offer him as much as $9 million annually, Tavares signed for under $5 million. While the situations aren't perfectly comparable given the age gap, the value contrast is clear.

For the Kings, the first few years of a potential Kempe extension might be palatable. But by the time he's 33 or 34, the contract could easily shift into "albatross" territory, limiting the team's flexibility just as younger talent needs new deals.

Los Angeles now faces a difficult choice: pay up to keep Kempe, or explore the trade market for a player in his prime, but ome who is demanding elite-level money. Either way, the outcome of these negotiations could define the Kings' cap structure for years to come.