Will Adrian Kempe become the Los Angeles Kings next captain after Kopitar's retirement

The Los Angeles Kings face a generational transition heading into the 2026-27 season. With franchise icon Anže Kopitar announcing his retirement after the current campaign, the organization must identify his successor as captain—a decision that carries significant weight for a team with only 13 captains in its entire history. The timing coincides perfectly with Adrian Kempe’s recent eight-year, $85 million contract extension, signed on November 16, 2025, which firmly establishes him as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.

Kempe’s new deal, carrying a $10.625 million average annual value, represents more than just a financial commitment. It signals the organization’s belief that the 29-year-old Swedish forward can anchor the team’s next era. Having spent his entire 10-year career with the Kings after being selected 29th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, Kempe has evolved from a promising prospect into one of the league’s most reliable two-way forwards. His durability stands out—since the 2017-18 season, he hasn’t missed more than five games in any campaign, demonstrating the consistency teams seek in their leadership core.

The evolution of adrian kempe’s leadership credentials

Kempe’s development extends beyond his statistical output. While his performance peaked during the 2022-23 season with 41 goals and 67 points, he has maintained high-level production, surpassing 70 points in each of the past two seasons. More importantly, his role has expanded to include penalty killing, power-play leadership, and mentoring younger teammates. The Kings’ general manager Ken Holland has publicly praised Kempe’s style and contributions, viewing him as exactly the type of player upon whom championship teams are built.

The timing of the contract extension speaks volumes about management’s intentions. In NHL history, franchise players rarely receive eight-year commitments unless they’re viewed as foundational pieces. The Kings have essentially tied their salary cap structure to Kempe through his age-37 season, suggesting they envision him wearing a letter on his jersey for years to come. His 6-foot-2 frame, combined with his speed and physical presence, creates the type of on-ice example that captains must embody.

Historical precedent and the kings’ captaincy tradition

Los Angeles maintains one of the most selective captaincy traditions in professional sports. Since Wayne Gretzky assumed the role in 1989, only five players have worn the “C” for the Kings. Notably, every captain since then served as an alternate captain for at least one season before ascending to the top leadership position. This pattern presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Kempe’s candidacy.

Currently, alternate captains include defenseman Drew Doughty and forward Phillip Danault, both of whom represent viable short-term options. Doughty, who has worn the “A” since 2016-17, ranks third in franchise games played and could provide a bridge solution at age 35. Danault has served as an alternate since joining the team in 2021-22 but faces questions about his long-term productivity after declining point totals the past two seasons.

The Kings must decide whether to follow their historical precedent or adapt to modern realities. The alternate captain requirement has been sacred for over three decades, yet Kempe’s situation might justify an exception. At 30 years old when the 2026-27 season begins, he would be younger than every Kings captain since Gretzky, offering the potential for a decade-long tenure at the position.

The case for kempe’s captaincy

Kempe’s candidacy rests on three pillars: performance, durability, and cultural fit. His three consecutive seasons with 28 or more goals demonstrate elite offensive capability, while his defensive responsibility earned him heavy penalty-killing minutes and trust in late-game situations. The Kings established a franchise-record 31-6-4 home record during the 2024-25 season, with Kempe’s two-way play serving as a model for the team’s identity.

Leadership manifests differently in various personalities. While Kopitar led through quiet steadiness and impeccable two-way play, Kempe brings a more visible intensity to his game. His quick release and 14.8% shooting percentage make him a consistent threat, but it’s his backchecking dedication and willingness to engage physically that earn respect in the locker room. Teammates describe him as approachable yet demanding, a balance essential for modern NHL captains.

The contract extension eliminated the final obstacle to Kempe’s captaincy path. Previously, the lack of long-term security might have made him a risky choice. Now, with eight years guaranteed, the organization can confidently invest him with leadership responsibilities. The financial commitment ensures stability both for Kempe and the teammates who would follow his lead.

Competing candidates and alternative paths

Despite Kempe’s compelling case, the Kings face legitimate alternatives. Drew Doughty represents the safest choice—a known commodity with 15 years of organizational knowledge and existing leadership responsibilities. His two remaining contract years align perfectly with a short-term solution, allowing Kempe to serve as alternate captain and gain formal leadership experience before assuming the captaincy at age 32.

Phillip Danault presents another scenario. Though his production has declined, his playoff performance against Edmonton—two goals and six assists in six games—demonstrated his ability to elevate when it matters most. However, awarding the captaincy to a player with declining regular-season performance would break from the Kings’ tradition of selecting their most impactful players.

The wildcard scenario involves splitting duties. The Kings could name Doughty captain for two seasons while grooming Kempe through the alternate captaincy, creating a seamless transition. This approach would honor historical precedent while acknowledging Kempe as the long-term answer.

What the decision means for the franchise’s future

Choosing Kempe would signal a new era defined by speed, offensive creativity, and international flair. As the first Swedish captain in Kings history, he would represent the organization’s evolution from a defense-first mentality to a more balanced approach. His youth ensures continuity through the remainder of the decade, providing stability as prospects like Alex Turcotte and Quinton Byfield mature into core contributors.

The decision also impacts recruitment and retention. When star players see a peer like Kempe rewarded with both financial security and leadership responsibilities, it reinforces the organization’s commitment to its own. This sends a powerful message to upcoming restricted free agents and potential free-agent targets about the Kings’ culture.

Final analysis on kempe’s captaincy prospects

Will Adrian Kempe become the Los Angeles Kings next captain? All signs point toward yes, though the path might involve a brief waiting period. His recent contract extension removes any doubt about his long-term importance to the franchise. The organization’s history suggests they’ll want him to serve as alternate captain first, but Kempe’s age and the scarcity of other long-term candidates might compel them to make an exception.

The most likely scenario involves Kempe assuming the captaincy for the 2027-28 season after serving as alternate during the 2026-27 campaign. This approach satisfies tradition while positioning the franchise’s highest-paid forward as the face of the next generation. Regardless of timing, Kempe’s leadership evolution from draft pick to potential captain mirrors the journey of Kopitar before him—a homegrown star rewarded for loyalty and growth with the ultimate leadership honor.

For Kings fans, the transition from Kopitar to Kempe represents not just a changing of the guard, but a continuation of the franchise’s ability to develop and retain elite talent. The next captain will inherit significant expectations, but Kempe’s decade of service, recent financial commitment, and demonstrated two-way excellence suggest he’s prepared for the challenge. The captaincy debate may officially remain open until next summer, but Adrian Kempe has already established himself as the franchise’s future leader in every way that matters.