Michael Adrian Kempe Bio
Michael Adrian Kempe is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who serves as right winger and alternate captain for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 13, 1996, in Kramfors, Sweden, Kempe was selected by the Kings in the first round with the 29th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 195 pounds, he has developed into one of the Kings’ most reliable offensive contributors since making his NHL debut in 2017. Kempe is known for his scoring ability, versatility across forward positions, and leadership role within the organization.
Early Life and Background
Kempe was born on September 13, 1996, in Kramfors, Sweden. Growing up in Sweden, he developed his passion and skills for ice hockey at a young age. His family environment fostered a love for the sport, which would later become his professional career.
His older brother, Mario Kempe, also pursued a career in professional ice hockey, including 52 games with the Arizona Coyotes. The Kempe brothers would later face each other professionally when Adrian’s Los Angeles Kings played against Mario’s Arizona Coyotes during the 2018-19 season. This familial connection provided Adrian with both competition and inspiration throughout his development.
Path to Professional Hockey
Kempe began his professional career with Modo Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He made his SHL debut during the 2013-14 season, showcasing the talent that would eventually earn him recognition from NHL scouts. His performance in Sweden demonstrated his potential as a two-way forward capable of contributing offensively while playing a responsible defensive game.
Following his debut season with Modo, Kempe entered the 2014 NHL Entry Draft where the Los Angeles Kings selected him in the first round, 29th overall. The selection represented a significant milestone in his career, marking his transition from Swedish hockey to North American professional hockey. After being drafted, Kempe returned to Modo for one additional season before beginning his journey in the Kings’ organization.
Michael Adrian Kempe Career
Manchester Monarchs and AHL Development (2015-2017)
Following the conclusion of his final season with Modo Hockey, Kempe signed an amateur try-out agreement with the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate at the time. He joined the Monarchs for the remainder of their regular season and the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs. Kempe made his AHL debut on April 17 against the Portland Pirates and quickly impressed coaches with his offensive instincts and hockey awareness.
During the Monarchs’ Calder Cup playoff run, Kempe developed into an integral contributor. He scored his first AHL playoff goal in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Pirates, helping the Monarchs advance. He continued his strong play throughout the postseason, contributing key goals during the Eastern Conference finals and the championship round. In Game 5 of the Calder Cup Finals, Kempe and Vincent LoVerde scored within four minutes of each other to clinch the Monarchs’ first Calder Cup championship. Kempe finished the playoffs with eight goals and one assist for nine points over 17 games. The 2015 Calder Cup win proved to be a defining early achievement in his professional career.
Ontario Reign and NHL Call-Up (2015-2018)
After attending the Kings’ 2015 training camp, Kempe was assigned to the re-branded Ontario Reign, as the Kings relocated their AHL affiliate to Ontario, California. The 2015-16 season presented challenges as Kempe transitioned to North American professional hockey. Due to injuries throughout the lineup, he spent much of the season playing center rather than his typical winger position. Despite the adjustment, he recorded his first AHL hat-trick on November 5, leading the team to a 4-1 victory over the San Diego Gulls. He also missed time in December to compete with Team Sweden at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Kempe finished his rookie AHL season with 11 goals and 17 assists over 55 games.
The 2016-17 season saw Kempe begin with the Reign but earn his first NHL recall on February 15, 2017. He made his NHL debut the following day against the Arizona Coyotes. Kempe recorded his first NHL point on February 21, assisting on Tyler Toffoli’s goal against the Colorado Avalanche. He scored his first NHL goal on March 11 against the Washington Capitals. Kempe played in 25 games for the Kings during this call-up, recording two goals and four assists for six points before being reassigned to the AHL.
Heading into the 2017-18 season, Kempe qualified for the Kings’ opening night roster and switched from jersey number 39 to number 9, the number he wore growing up while playing soccer in honor of Fernando Torres. After struggling through his first five games, Kempe broke out by recording his first NHL hat-trick on October 18 in a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. He continued his scoring surge over the following weeks, tallying multiple goals in several games. When Jeff Carter suffered an injury in late October, Kempe moved onto the Kings’ second line with Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson. Although his scoring pace slowed after returning to the third line, Kempe became the first Kings rookie since 2009 to record 20 assists in a season. He finished his rookie NHL campaign with 16 goals and 37 points through 81 games.
Los Angeles Kings Core Player (2018-Present)
The 2018-19 season saw Kempe return to the Kings’ lineup expected to play as a winger on the second line. Through February, he returned to his scoring form, tallying four goals and four assists in three games for eight points. When the NHL paused play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kempe led the team with four shorthanded points while averaging 16:01 of ice time per game. He joined Team Sweden to compete at the 2019 IIHF World Championship following the season’s conclusion. On September 4, 2019, the Kings signed Kempe to a three-year, $6 million contract extension, securing his future with the organization.
The 2019-20 season began with struggles as Kempe experienced a scoring drought and was demoted to the fourth line. However, he broke an 18-game scoring drought on February 29 against the New Jersey Devils while also recording his 100th NHL point. The following seasons showed his continued growth as a consistent scoring threat for the Kings.
The 2021-22 season marked a significant breakthrough for Kempe. He posted new career highs with 35 goals and 54 points, establishing himself as one of the Kings’ primary offensive weapons. His performance earned him a selection to his first NHL All-Star Game, held in Las Vegas, making him the only Kings player named to the All-Star roster that season. The 2022-23 season saw Kempe reach even greater heights, as he led the Kings in goals with 41, becoming the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to score 40 goals in a single season.
On July 10, 2022, Kempe signed a four-year, $22 million contract extension with the Kings. On November 17, 2025, with one year remaining on his existing deal, Kempe committed his long-term future to the organization by signing an eight-year, $85 million extension that will keep him with the Kings through the 2033-34 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kempe is recognized as a versatile forward capable of playing both center and wing positions, a quality that has earned him praise from coaches throughout his career. Head coach Todd McLellan has noted Kempe’s ability to adapt to different positions whenever needed, making him a valuable asset in lineup construction. His scoring ability, particularly his shot release and finishing skills, has made him a consistent goal threat in the NHL. Kempe also demonstrates strong shorthanded play, leading the Kings in shorthanded points during the 2019-20 season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kempe has achieved several significant milestones. His Calder Cup championship with the Manchester Monarchs in 2015 provided early validation of his professional potential. The 2017-18 season saw him become the first Kings rookie since 2009 to record 20 assists. His first NHL All-Star Game selection in 2022 marked his arrival as an elite player in the league. The following season’s 41-goal performance placed him among the NHL’s top scorers and made him the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to reach the 40-goal threshold. Kempe also reached the 100 career NHL point milestone during the 2019-20 season.
Michael Adrian Kempe Career Wins
Kempe has accumulated notable achievements across both North American and international competition throughout his career. His success at the junior and professional levels has been complemented by significant contributions to Team Sweden.
NHL Highlights
At the NHL level, Kempe has established himself as a consistent 20-plus goal scorer with the Los Angeles Kings. His most productive seasons came in 2021-22 with 35 goals and 54 points, followed by a career-best 41-goal campaign in 2022-23. These performances earned him his first NHL All-Star Game selection and positioned him among the league’s top forwards. His 40-goal season was particularly notable as he became the first Kings player since Luc Robitaille to achieve that milestone. Kempe also reached the 100 career point plateau during the 2019-20 season, representing a significant achievement in his professional career.
International Success
On the international stage, Kempe has represented Sweden with distinction at both junior and senior levels. He won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, contributing to his country’s success on the world stage. He returned to international competition at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where Sweden captured a bronze medal. Prior to his senior career, Kempe competed at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships for Team Sweden.
AHL Championship
Before his NHL success, Kempe played an integral role in the Manchester Monarchs’ 2015 Calder Cup championship. During the playoff run, he scored eight goals over 17 games, including crucial tallies in the Eastern Conference finals and the championship round. His performance during this championship run earned him the nickname “Juice” from teammates and coaches who described him as “having the juice” due to his impressive playoff production at just 18 years old.
Michael Adrian Kempe Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs in the Kempe family, with both Michael and his older brother Mario pursuing professional careers in the sport. Mario Kempe also played professional ice hockey, including 52 games with the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL. The brothers faced each other professionally when Adrian’s Los Angeles Kings played against Mario’s Arizona Coyotes during the 2018-19 season, creating a memorable moment for the family. This shared professional path has provided the brothers with a unique connection and mutual support throughout their respective careers.
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, Kempe has developed interests beyond the rink. In May 2024, he became a part-owner of Swedish esports organization EYEBALLERS, demonstrating his engagement with the esports industry and interest in investment opportunities. His jersey number choice reflects his diverse athletic background: he switched to number 9 with the Kings because he wore that number growing up while playing soccer in honor of Spanish footballer Fernando Torres. His nickname “Juice” originated during the Monarchs’ 2015 Calder Cup playoff run, when teammates and coaches used the term to describe his exceptional performance at just 18 years old.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marked a significant moment in Kempe’s career trajectory. Entering the final year of his previous contract, Kempe demonstrated continued growth and consistency as one of the Kings’ most reliable scoring threats. His performance throughout the season reinforced his value to the organization and positioned him as a core piece of the Kings’ long-term plans.
On November 17, 2025, Kempe signed an eight-year, $85 million contract extension that will keep him with the Los Angeles Kings through the 2033-34 season. This commitment from both sides signaled the organization’s confidence in Kempe as a foundational player for their future. The extension represented the culmination of his development from a first-round draft pick to one of the NHL’s consistent scoring forwards.
Looking ahead, Kempe’s long-term future with the Kings appears secure as he enters the prime years of his career at age 29. His ability to score 30-plus goals annually, combined with his versatility and leadership as alternate captain, makes him a valuable asset for a Kings team seeking to return to championship contention. The eight-year commitment provides both stability for Kempe and a clear building block for the Kings’ organizational plans.