(Los Angeles) One of the last members of the two editions of the Los Angeles Kings to win the Stanley Cup, and one of the best players in the entire history of this organization, has decided to extend his stay in the Californian metropolis .
Center player Anze Kopitar agreed to a two-year, $14 million contract extension with the team on Thursday. He is now tied to the Kings until the end of the 2025-26 season at an average annual salary of 7 million.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will keep Anze in Los Angeles as our group enters the next stage in its pursuit of the Stanley Cup,” general manager Rob Blake said in a press release.
“He is the heart and soul of this team as captain and he will continue to play a major role for our club. »
The 35-year-old Slovenian native nearly had a point per game last season, finishing his year with a Kings-high 74 points, including 28 goals, in 82 games. His eight-year contract worth a total of 80 million expires at the end of the next campaign.
Kopitar is one of two Kings championship contributors in 2012 and 2014 who has remained with the team, the other being defenseman Drew Doughty.
“Los Angeles has become home to me and my family, and I’m excited to extend my career here,” Kopitar said.
“I have been through everything with this organization and I know that our group is on the verge of achieving something special. I look forward to helping our team reach that next level and achieve the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup once again. »
Kopitar spent his 17 NHL seasons with the Kings. He won the Frank-Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward on two occasions. Most recently, he received the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to the most gentlemanly player, for the second time in his career.
In 1,384 NHL games, including the playoffs, Kopitar has 1,218 points. He ranks second in Kings history for games played, assists and goals scored. He also ranks third in points and fourth in goals.