EL SEGUNDO, CA — Around this time last year, Los Angeles Kings coaches really liked the speed and skill that rookie forward Adrian Kempe brought to their lineup. Indeed, they were impressed with his play on the offensive side of the puck. But as much as they were enamored with his offensive talents, they had concerns about his defensive play, or perhaps, his commitment to playing on the other side of the puck.
“We think he can be a responsible player and he has the ability to play wing and center,” head coach John Stevens said in late September 2017, just prior to the start of the 2017-18 season.