Adrian Kempe back in the lineup against New Jersey

Per Coach Todd McLellan, Adrian Kempe has been released from COVID protocol and will be back with the LA Kings for tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

The @LAKings have made the following player transactions:

Adrian Kempe (F) has been activated off the non-roster/COVID-19 list. He is available for tonight’s game.

Austin Strand (D) has been recalled to the Kings from the taxi squad.@Enterprise | #PlayersOnTheMove

— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) January 23, 2022

His production has been sorely missed as the Kings have dropped the last three games.

It’s been a rough go for the Kings since Kempe’s departure from the lineup. In their last three games, head coach Todd McLellan has tried Samuel Fagemo and Dustin Brown in place of Kempe on the first line for LA, but the chemistry and production haven’t been there. Puck possession and shooting didn’t lack, but the ability to finish and convert on high danger chances was absent.

Adrian Kempe has 17 goals – a career-best – and 24 points on the year with the LA Kings. Expect to see him slot in on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Alex Iafallo and resume his position as the primary zone entry on the Power Play.

Speaking with LA Kings Insider Zach Dooley today after practice, Todd McLellan talked about Kempe’s impact on the roster. “Legs, brain, confidence, game management, size, shot, that pretty much sums it up, and minutes. Adrian can play minutes, he can get off the ice and recover in 25 seconds and go do it again.”

The power-play has been quite stagnant in Kempe’s absence. His ability to gain entry into the offensive zone has been sorely missed. Now with Quinton Byfield in the mix, the LA Kings could have a formidable Power Play for the rest of the season. Let’s hope Kempe’s absence won’t derail the strong season.

The LA Kings will hope to end their three-game losing streak and get back on the winning track when they take on the New Jersey Devils in New Jersey at 4 pm PT.

Vitals, Betting Odds, and Projected Lineups in LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils