Adrian Kempe: Prospect Profile for Los Angeles Kings' 1st-Round Pick

Player: Adrian Kempe

Drafted By: Los Angeles Kings (29th overall)

Position: Center

Final Central Scouting Ranking: No. 6 European skater

Height/Weight: 6'2", 187 lbs

DOB: September 13, 1996 (17 years old)

Most Recent Affiliation: SHL, MODO

Background

Adrian Kempe is a talented prospect who has been a boy among men in his homeland of Sweden. He is a member of MODO, a program that has been a factory for NHL talent for the last few decades.

At 17 years of age, this is quite the accomplishment—even though he has not received a ton of ice time. He played in 45 games this season and only recorded 11 points.

Full Scouting Report

Kempe is a player with decent size for his age, but his biggest asset is his speed. He uses this speed to motor up and down the ice, which comes in handy when trying to pressure opponents and battle for pucks.

In The Hockey News' print edition of its draft preview, a scout raved that Kempe "skates a million miles an hour and has some skill."

Playing in the bottom six this past season made Kempe learn the defensive side of the game, and that is something that will be an asset when he makes the jump to the NHL level.

NHL Player Comparison

Magnus Paajarvi of the St. Louis Blues. Kempe is a a speedy player who is strong on the puck, tenacious on the forecheck and similar in style to Paajarvi.

NHL Timetable

Kempe is a talented player with upside, but he will need some additional seasoning. Ideally, he would be NHL-bound by the start of the 2016-17 season.

Top-End Potential

At his peak, Kempe can be a top-six forward. He doesn't have flashy offensive skill, but he is a player who works hard and uses what he has to his advantage.

With his speed, strength and never-give-up mindset, Kempe could be a very useful and efficient second-line center at the peak of his career.