The Arizona Coyotes have decided that Mario Kempe’s contributions last season were good enough to keep him around, and have re-signed the forward to one-year two-way contract. Kempe was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after signing his first NHL contract last spring. Financial details of the new contract were not disclosed.
Kempe, 29, was selected in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Flyers way back in 2007, but played only five games for their AHL affiliate before returning to Europe. Spending time in both the SHL and KHL, Kempe came to North America this season and split his time between the AHL and NHL. In 18 NHL contests he recorded four points, while showing he could easily adapt to life in the minor leagues. 37 points in 47 games was good enough for fifth on the Tucson Roadrunners in scoring, likely where he’ll spend of next season.
The older brother of Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe, Mario doesn’t possess the same top end potential and will likely shuffle between the two leagues once again. Unfortunately, he’s not waiver-exempt this season meaning we may see his name bounce around the league if the Coyotes happen to expose him. The veteran forward has enough skill to be valuable depth for any club in the short-term, which only adds risk to any waiver transaction for Arizona.