Anzi Copitar She signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $7 million and starts with the 2024-25 season.
The 35-year-old, who would have become an unrestricted free agent after this season, led the Kings with 74 points (28 goals and 46 assists) in 82 games last season. It was the 15th time in his 17 seasons that he has led Los Angeles in scoring, and he joins Gordie Howe (17 times, Detroit Red Wings) as the only player to lead the same team in points at least 15 times.
He led the Kings ahead in ice time per game (20:18), ice time per game (3:01), short ice time per game (1:52) and tackle percentage (55.9 percent) and plus/minus (plus 20) . Kopitar had four penalty minutes, the fewest of the NHL’s 100 top scorers to win the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded annually to an NHL player voted for combining sportsmanship, gentlemanly behavior, and ability.
Selected by Los Angeles with the 11th pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Kopitar ranked second in Kings history in games (1,292) and assists (748), third in points (1,141) and fourth in goals (393). He has 77 points (24 goals, 53 assists) in 92 Stanley Cup games.
Kopitar won two Stanley Cups with Los Angeles (2012, 2014).
“Los Angeles has become home for me and my family, and I’m excited to extend my career here,” Kopitar told the Kings website. “I’ve been with this organization through it all and I know our group is on the verge of something special. I look forward to helping us get to that next level and achieve the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup again.”
Kopitar was named Kings captain on June 26, 2016. He has twice won Lady Byng (also 2015-16), twice won the Selke Trophy as Best Defensive Offensive (2015-16, 2017-18) and won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2021-22 .
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will keep Anzi in Los Angeles while our group takes the next step in Stanley Cup contention,” said general manager Rob Blake. “He is the heart and soul of this team as our captain, and he will continue to play a key role in our club.”