The Los Angeles Kings have committed to their franchise centreman short-term. Anze Kopitar has a new contract, two years at a $7 million annual average. The extension begins to start the 2024-25 season.
HE'S STAYING H👑ME.
We've signed the Captain to a two-year contract extension!
Read more 📰 https://t.co/Hqrpn8mOzx pic.twitter.com/hHrGNcThX2
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 6, 2023
Anze Kopitar Contract Helps Him Stay In Hollywood
Kopitar appears to be an ageless wonder at this point in his career. The 35-year-old pieced together another productive season. Kopitar notched 28 goals and 46 assists for 76 points in 82 games. In addition, it’s a great sign that Kopitar remained healthy throughout the year.
Kopitar still has plenty of fuel left in the tank. He helped linemate Adrian Kempe hit the 40-goal benchmark this season for the first time. Kopitar’s ability to place pucks on his teammates’ sticks creates this production. The young Kings’ group has modeled and grown around Kopitar’s style of play. Overall, the team is strong on both ends of the ice.
The Kings’ vital source of offence came from Kopitar and Kempe’s line. Together, Kopitar and Kempe scored 3.05 goals per hour on-ice 5v5. Without those two, the Kings scored only 2.47 goals per hour 5v5.
The Future Of Kings’ Centres
Los Angeles acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets this summer. Dubois will help add to the Kings’ primary scoring next season. The team locked him up for eight years at a $8.5 million annual average. Kopitar is likely to pass the torch to Dubois to fill his role.
However, for the 2023-24 season, Kopitar proved he’s still the Kings’ number-one centre. He’s the Kings’ time-on-ice leader every single night that plays against top competition. Furthermore, Kopitar is heavily involved in special teams. He plays the power play and penalty kill.
Kopitar’s new contract is A-tier value and term for the Kings heading into next season. On top of being a franchise icon, he will be critical in the Kings’ future quest for the cup.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
