Adrian Kempe Fined $5,000 for Slew-Footing

Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable penalty under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, for slew-footing Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid during a recent game. The incident occurred in the third period, and despite being a dangerous play that usually leads to injuries, it went unpenalized during the match, which the Oilers won 1-0. Critics argue that the fine is insufficient to deter players from such actions, particularly given that it represents a negligible fraction of Kempe's salary. The fine has also highlighted concerns about protecting star players like McDavid, who often become targets on the ice. Kempe's actions have heightened tensions between the Kings and Oilers, suggesting a more contentious atmosphere in their next encounter. This incident marks Kempe’s first fine in his NHL career, and he is having a strong season with 20 goals and 39 points through 41 games.