Ex-Rangers enforcer Sean Avery reserves extremely high praise for $22,000,000 LA Kings forward

Ex-Rangers enforcer Sean Avery recently praised Adrian Kempe and the LA Kings on Tuesday's episode of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast. Avery, a former player for the Kings, called Kempe one of the best all-around players in the NHL.

"This Kempe dude is one hell of a player. I got goosebumps (talking about him). He might be the best player in the NHL. As far as a well-rounded guy, holy fu*k is he a good player, man," he said.

Paul Bissonnette, a Spittin' Chiclets host, agreed with Sean Avery’s comments about Adrian Kempe. Ryan Whitney, another host, highlighted Kempe’s strong playoff performances in recent years.

"And he's produced in the playoffs. It's gotten worse against Edmonton, but he's (been) their best player the last two years," Whitney said.

Adrian Kempe has scored 19 points in 18 games against the Edmonton Oilers, showing his importance in their rivalry. Despite the LA Kings' playoff struggles, Kempe’s efforts have been impressive.

Kempe is a key player for the Kings. Drafted 29th overall in 2014, he has become a top performer. His breakout season in 2021-22 featured 35 goals, followed by 41 goals the next year. He was the first Kings player to score 40 goals in a season since Luc Robitaille. Last season, Kempe tallied 75 points in 77 games.

Kempe is in the second year of a four-year, $22 million contract. His $5.5 million cap hit is seen as a bargain. The deal, signed on July 8, 2022, keeps him with the LA Kings until the end of the 2025-26 season. This year, Kempe has 32 points in 34 games, including 16 goals and 16 assists. He also has a +17 rating, proving his value on both offense and defense.

The Kings have faced criticism for three straight first-round playoff exits. However, praise from a popular podcast suggests growing respect for their potential. Playing without top defenseman Drew Doughty makes their current performance even more important. Adrian Kempe’s contributions remain essential as the team builds toward future success.

Kempe will also represent Sweden in the Four Nations Faceoff. His top-six role shows his growing international reputation.

Adrian Kempe and the LA Kings suffer a 3-1 defeat to the Capitals

The Washington Capitals beat the LA Kings 3-1 on Sunday at Capital One Arena. Aliaksei Protas scored first at 10:20 of the first period. He received a pass from Pierre-Luc Dubois after Connor McMichael blocked a clearing attempt.

The LA Kings tied the game early in the second period. Kevin Fiala scored a power-play goal at 4:10 with a one-timer from the right face-off circle. Jakub Vrana put the Capitals back ahead at 14:18, scoring a wrist shot from the slot off a Dubois assist. Protas sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:06, making it 3-1.