The Los Angeles Kings added to their depth by signing a Kempe today.
No, not Adrian — who still needs a new contract.
Instead, they signed Mario Kempe, Adrian’s older brother, to a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,000 at the NHL level.
Mario, a 30-year old forward, spent most of his professional career in Sweden and Russia before coming to North America in the 2017-18 season. Kempe has split the past two season between the Arizona Coyotes and their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. He has also made appearances on the Swedish men’s national team, most recently at this year’s world championships, where he recorded two points in four games.
While the elder Kempe has NHL experience, he doesn’t bring much to the table offensively or defensively and generally found himself playing a fourth line role. Kempe is likely is headed to Ontario to provide experienced depth for what looks to be another very young team, with the possibility of being called up as an injury replacement if needed.
Aside from national team play, the Kempe brothers have not played together since 2013-14, when both played for MODO in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).