Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Adrian Kempe

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 8, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Adrian Kempe made an impact.

Adrian Kempe is a Swedish professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. He was drafted by the Kings in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has become a key player for the team. He is known for his speed, skill, and offensive capabilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Kempe Equals Kings Rookie Assist Record

During the 2017-18 season, Adrian Kempe became the first Kings rookie since 2009 to record 20 assists in a season.

2014: Kempe drafted by Los Angeles Kings

In 2014, Adrian Kempe was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round (29th overall) of the NHL Entry Draft.

2014: Kings select Kempe in NHL Entry Draft

In 2014, Adrian Kempe was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, 29th overall, of the NHL Entry Draft.

2015: Kempe Re-Assigned to Reign

After attending the Kings 2015 training camp, Kempe was reassigned to the Reign for the 2015-16 season.

2015: Kempe's AHL Debut and Calder Cup Win

In 2015, Adrian Kempe signed with the Manchester Monarchs, debuted in the AHL on April 17 against the Portland Pirates, and played a key role in the team winning the Calder Cup. He scored eight goals and one assist in 17 playoff games.

2016: Kempe Plays with Reign

Adrian Kempe began the 2016-17 season playing with the Reign, and was switched to left wing on December 3 to improve his offensive play.

2016: Kempe at World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In December 2015/January 2016, Kempe competed with Team Sweden at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

February 2017: Kempe Earns First NHL Recall

On February 15, 2017, Adrian Kempe earned his first NHL recall and debuted with the Arizona Coyotes the following day. He recorded his first NHL point on February 21.

2017: Kempe Qualifies for Kings Roster

In 2017, Kempe was put on a line with Justin Auger and Kyle Clifford at the Kings training camp. He qualified for the Kings opening night roster and switched from No. 39 to No. 9. On October 18, Kempe scored his first NHL hat-trick in a win over the Montreal Canadiens.

2018: Kempe returns to Kings Lineup

Adrian Kempe returned to the Kings lineup for the 2018-19 season, where he was expected to play as a winger on their second line.

2018: Kempe Wins Gold at World Championship

In 2018, Adrian Kempe represented Sweden at the IIHF World Championship, where the team won a gold medal.

September 2019: Kempe signs contract extension with Kings

On September 4, 2019, the Kings signed Adrian Kempe to a three-year, $6 million contract extension.

2019: Kempe's performance in 2019-20 NHL season

During the 2019-20 NHL season, Adrian Kempe struggled at the start, leading to demotion, but later achieved his 100th NHL point on February 29. He also led the team with four shorthanded points.

March 2021: Kempe Records Hat-Trick Against Ducks

On March 9, 2021, Adrian Kempe recorded his second career hat-trick, the first by a Kings player against the Anaheim Ducks.

2021: Kempe Achieves Career Highs and All-Star Selection

In the 2021-22 season, Adrian Kempe posted new career highs with 35 goals and 54 points. He participated in his first NHL All-Star Game held in Las Vegas, being the only Kings player named an All-Star that season.

July 2022: Kempe Signs Extension and Scores 40 Goals

On July 10, 2022, Adrian Kempe signed a four-year, $22 million extension with the Kings. He led the Kings in goals scored with 41, becoming the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to score 40 goals in a season.