All Signs Point to Vancouver Canucks Targeting L.A. Kings Star Adrian Kempe Sooner Rather Than Later
Photo credit: NHL.
A three-time 30+ goal scorer and former first round pick has been suggested as a possible UFA target for the Vancouver Canucks and General Manager Patrik Allvin in the summer of 2026.
While the Vancouver Canucks might be focused on the 2025-26 season and getting back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing out last year, it's never too early to look ahead to the future and what could be a pretty stacked unrestricted free agent class next summer.
In order for Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin and the team's management group to still be in place next summer, they'll need to return to the postseason and if that does happen, then they may be able to attract one top UFA to town, an NHL insider said recently.
Former first round pick, three-time 30+ goal scorer suggested as possible UFA target
Earlier this week during an episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek, the NHL insider wondered if the Vancouver Canucks and pending unrestricted free agent forward Adrian Kempe could be a match next summer.
Marek points to the fact that if Vancouver is aggressive in adding top talent, if it could potentially help keep Quinn Hughes around long-term and bringing in someone like Adrian Kempe could give them an elite option to place in the first line left wing position alongside Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser.
"But couldn't you see it? If he hits free agency, wouldn't the Vancouver Canucks be all over this guy after playing against him and knowing him for as long as Vancouver has? And if you want to plunk someone on the wing with Elias Patterson, you want to try to prove to Quinn Hughes that, you know, we're doing everything we can here to keep this team competitive." Marek said.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski added, "He's a premium goal scorer on the wing. They don't grow on trees. But he's also 29, though."
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski added, "He's a premium goal scorer on the wing. They don't grow on trees. But he's also 29, though."
Contract talks between Adrian Kempe's camp and the Los Angeles Kings have reportedly stalled, leading some to wonder if he would consider testing the open market next summer.
Whether he remains in Los Angeles or signs with another club next summer, there's no question that Kempe will see a significant bump in pay over the $5.5 million AAV he's earning on his current deal.
Source: Heavy.com/Dave Benson
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SEPTEMBRE 27 | 941 ANSWERS All Signs Point to Vancouver Canucks Targeting L.A. Kings Star Adrian Kempe Sooner Rather Than Later Do you think the Vancouver Canucks have a shot at landing Adrian Kempe next summer if he hits the open market? | ||
| Yes | 440 | 46.8 % |
| No | 501 | 53.2 % |
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