Report: Anze Kopitar close to eight year $80 million extension with Kings
The Kings are very close to agreeing to an eight-year extension with Anze Kopitar that would make him among the highest paid players in the NHL
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar has been interested in staying in Los Angeles and the Kings have had mutual interest. They have had some disagreements about a potential extension, but it appears as if they have resolved their differences. Kopitar would be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Kings are close to making sure that they don’t lose their superstar center.
Anze Kopitar's 8-year, $80M ($10M AAV) contract with LAK is, finally, in final stages of paperwork. So not officially "done" but very close.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 13, 2016
That sounds about right for an elite center like Anze Kopitar. Kopitar’s cap hit would put him as the third highest paid player in the league behind Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. It’s worth noting that Steven Stamkos will likely sign an even more lucrative contract than Kane and Toews.
Kopitar has been integral to the Kings success since 2010. He has helped lead the Kings to two Stanley Cups and keeping him has always been the Kings’ number one priority. Kopitar has 645 points in 725 career regular season games. He has added 60 points in 70 playoff games.
Should the Kings finalize Kopitar’s extension, look for them to work on keeping Milan Lucic and potentially work on a long-term deal for Tyler Toffoli.