Free Live Odds - Scores and Odds - Sports News - Sports Information - Live Scores - Sports Statistics - Sports Articles - Sports Standings - Live Scor

O&N HOME | NFL MLB NBA NHL NCAAF NCAABk Nascar Golf Soccer Tennis Boxing Horse Racing All Sports

Kings sign Kopitar to seven-year extension

Sat 11th, October 2008

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Kings have signed All-Star center Anze Kopitar to a seven-year contract extension through the 2015-16 season.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kopitar, who had one year remaining on his current deal, is entering his third NHL season, all with the Kings. He has 52 goals and 86 assists for 138 points in 154 games.

"Anze is a special player, but he has also shown a strong work ethic and the type of character we believe is necessary to help shape the core of our team," said Kings president and general manager Dean Lombardi. "Along with some of our other young core players, the commitment Kopitar has shown at a young age should continue to improve and elevate his teammates and the franchise.

"This agreement is another critical step forward in our building process, and it also demonstrates to our fans our organization's commitment to building the right way. However, we are not done. There is still more work to do, on and off the ice."

Kopitar, just 21 years old, was an All-Star last season when he posted career highs of 32 goals and 77 points. The native of Slovenia was also voted the team's MVP by the local media.

"This is really exciting and a little overwhelming to be honest," said Kopitar. "I am happy to be a part of this organization for the next eight years. I can focus now on hockey only and on doing what I want to do, which is to bring the Stanley Cup to L.A. I am also excited to remain with a great group of players who have gotten the same commitment from our organization. We are looking forward to growing together and to building something special here."

The seven-year deal is the second-longest in Kings history. Only Wayne Gretzky signed an eight-year contract in 1988.