Kopitar signs 2-year contract with Kings through 2025-26

Anze Kopitar signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $7 million and begins with the 2024-25 season.

The 35-year-old center, who could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season, led the Kings with 74 points (28 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games last season. It was the 15th time in his 17 seasons he has led Los Angeles in scoring, joining Gordie Howe (17 times, Detroit Red Wings) as the only players to lead the same team in points at least 15 times.

He led Kings forwards in ice time per game (20:18), power-play ice time per game (3:01), short-handed ice time per game (1:52) and face-off percentage (55.9 percent) and plus/minus (plus-20). Kopitar had four penalty minutes, the fewest of the NHL's top 100 scorers to win the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player voted to best combine sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.

Selected by Los Angeles with the No. 11 pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Kopitar ranks 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 Playoff games.

Kopitar won the Stanley Cup twice 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 close to achieving something special. I look forward to helping us reach that next level and achieving the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup again."

Kopitar was named Kings captain June 26, 2016. He is a two-time Lady Byng winner (also 2015-16), a two-time Selke Trophy winner as best defensive forward (2015-16, 2017-18) and won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2021-22.

"We're pleased to have reached an agreement that will keep Anze in Los Angeles as our group takes the next step in competing for a Stanley Cup," general manager Rob Blake said. "He is the heart and soul of this team as our captain, and he will continue to play a major role on our club."