Ben Shelley: Reviewing the season: Adrian Kempe

I think people have unrealistic expectations for Kempe. Go back and read any scouting report from the 2014 draft. Everyone had him pegged as solid two-way 3rd line forward. He has never put up significant point totals at any level. I'm not sure why everyone expects 20g/50p+ out of him.

I have Kempe penciled in as the long term 3LW for the Kings. He is a quality addition to the Kings power play, and one of the main reasons why it wasn't an absolute dumpster fire again this season, since he seems to have personally resolved the zone entry problem they couldn't seem to overcome in 2018-19. However, to expect more than 3rd line production from him is unrealistic.

The fact that people do expect higher point totals from him is perhaps an indication of how big of a success story Kempe has been so far in his career. As long as he puts up 15g/40p each season (with 40-50% of those coming on the PP), he has done his job IMO.

I agree. The organization has been so starved for young talent that Kempe has been thought of and deployed better in the last few seasons than his skill and potential really call for. While he may continue to slowly get better, he'll likely eventually lose opportunity as better prospects take spots ahead of him and push him down to the 3rd-line role that he was envisioned for when he was drafted.

I think people have unrealistic expectations for Kempe. Go back and read any scouting report from the 2014 draft. Everyone had him pegged as solid two-way 3rd line forward. He has never put up significant point totals at any level. I'm not sure why everyone expects 20g/50p+ out of him.

I have Kempe penciled in as the long term 3LW for the Kings. He is a quality addition to the Kings power play, and one of the main reasons why it wasn't an absolute dumpster fire again this season, since he seems to have personally resolved the zone entry problem they couldn't seem to overcome in 2018-19. However, to expect more than 3rd line production from him is unrealistic.

The fact that people do expect higher point totals from him is perhaps an indication of how big of a success story Kempe has been so far in his career. As long as he puts up 15g/40p each season (with 40-50% of those coming on the PP), he has done his job IMO.
- tkecanuck341

That's where I see him fitting long-term as well. Like I said, I can see his production being higher next season based on the increased role, but once prospects start making the jump, 35-40 points seems like his range.

I agree. The organization has been so starved for young talent that Kempe has been thought of and deployed better in the last few seasons than his skill and potential really call for. While he may continue to slowly get better, he'll likely eventually lose opportunity as better prospects take spots ahead of him and push him down to the 3rd-line role that he was envisioned for when he was drafted.
- Osprey

Yep, that's exactly where I'm at. I see him on the third line in a couple years, with the ability to move up if there's an injury. Thanks for reading!