Just when you thought it was safe to resume your summer vacation, no such thing — as the Kings and forward Alex Laferriere have agreed to a new three-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million. Coming off his second season as a pro, the 23-year-old winger continues to have a bright future within the LA organization. Over the course of 77 regular season games in 2024-25, the New Jersey native posted 42 points and was just one goal shy of his first 20-goal campaign.
Originally selected at the 2020 NHL Draft (third round) — with a pick the Kings acquired when they sent Jack Campbell and Kyle Clifford to Toronto several months prior — Laferriere went on to play in the USHL and for Harvard before eventually turning pro in the spring of 2023. He joined the Kings right out of training camp that October and went on to play 81 regular season games as a rookie.
His versatility proved to be valuable for coach Jim Hiller last season, playing him up and down the lineup on both sides as a winger. In fact, Laferriere was even used at center on occasion. Where he might slot in this coming season was looked at in a previous article here.
Adrian Kempe Notes
Kempe’s current contract — a four-year deal carrying a very modest $5.5M cap hit — is set to expire next June. He would be an unrestricted free agent if things get that far. However, with the NHLPA and NHL recently agreeing to a new CBA, he will be the last Kings player eligible to sign an eight-year extension, should both parties agree to such a term.
Another of the Kings drafted and developed players, the 2014 first round pick first came to North America in 2015 and found instant success; helping the Manchester Monarchs win their only Calder Cup Championship.
Having already played 630 games in a Kings uniform, Kempe will pass Clifford and Mike Murphy next season to move into 12th all time on that list. Over the past four years, Kempe has averaged over 34 goals per season and is currently tied for 10th most in franchise history. His 194 goals match the totals of Murphy and Jeff Carter. He also sits just 28 goals back of Charlie Simmer and will tie Wayne Gretzky with another 52 goals scored.
Holland and Kempe are on record with wanting to get a long-term extension signed this summer. Training camp opens seven weeks.
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