The Los Angeles Kings announced an eight-year contract extension for forward Adrian Kempe worth $10.65 million annually. Defenseman Drew Doughty suffered a lower-body injury in a win over the Ottawa Senators, sidelining him week-to-week. Forward Andrei Kuzmenko has been a healthy scratch amid a slow start to the season.
The Los Angeles Kings are navigating a mix of positive developments and challenges 19 games into the 2025-26 season. After a rough start, the team has won four straight games, including a 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, and holds a 10-5-4 record, leading the Pacific Division.
In a major roster move, the Kings locked up star winger Adrian Kempe with an eight-year extension at an average annual value of $10.65 million, announced on November 18, 2025. Selected 29th overall in 2014, Kempe is in his 10th season with the team, amassing over 400 points and 200 goals in 649 games. This season, he leads the Kings with 19 points in a point-per-game pace. 'I’m very happy, it feels good […] This is my home and this is where I want to be,' Kempe said.
Defenseman Drew Doughty, 35, suffered a lower-body injury during the second period against Ottawa when hit by a shot from Senators' Tyler Kleven. He did not return and was seen in a walking boot. The injury, unrelated to last season's ankle issue, will sideline him week-to-week. Doughty has eight points (two goals, six assists) and a plus-7 rating in 19 games. Coach Jim Hiller noted, 'We’ve gone through it before […] he’s week to week, not month to month.' To adjust, Jacob Moverare steps in, pairing with Cody Ceci, while Brian Dumoulin joins Mikey Anderson, and Brandt Clarke remains with Joel Edmundson.
Meanwhile, Andrei Kuzmenko, 29, has been a healthy scratch for two games after his ice time dropped from 15-16 minutes to seven. Acquired last season, he has three goals and seven points in 17 games. Hiller said, 'Kuzy was such an important addition […] He will be back in.' Kuzmenko's production has dipped similarly in past stops with Vancouver, Calgary, and Philadelphia.
The Kings aim for a fifth straight win against the Washington Capitals.