As mentioned yesterday, there was a possibility that LA Kings 2014 first round prospect Adrian Kempe could be signing his ELC soon. John Hoven originally reported that it would happen after the playoffs are over but I guess management saw whatever they needed to see this year and at yesterday’s practice.
As expected, #LAKings announce three-year ELC for 2014 first rounder Adrian Kempe. Wrote about him yesterday: http://t.co/8sbFGLZ4Dr
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 15, 2015
In 50 games with Modo, Kempe registered 5 goals and 12 assists and accumulated 42 PIM. In 5 games with the Swedish National Junior Team, he tallied 4 points (2-2-4) and was most effective on the power play.
Kempe matched his goal production from his pre-draft year and surpassed his total assists in 5 extra games. I don’t think you should look too closely at his numbers as they likely came as a byproduct of playing more minutes and seeing some time with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander, arguably the best Swedish prospect in his draft class. However, Modo was a very bad and a very young team that was playing in the country’s top hockey league. So that is a factor. We’ll know more about Kempe and his playing style starting this spring.
Also spoke w/ @MonarchsHockey coach Stothers this am. Says #LAKings 1st rounder Adrian Kempe will play this wkend, maybe even all 3 games.
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 15, 2015
There were initial concerns about Kempe’s accountability and his preparation as a professional but I imagine that with the kids being so close in Ontario (less than 60 miles south of Staples Center for those of you who don’t know), most of those concerns are easily assuaged.
We’ll have more on Kempe this season as the Monarchs make their Quest for Calder and later this summer so stay tuned.