LA Kings lock up center Anze Kopitar with 8-year contract

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, of Slovenia, looks on during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Los Angeles. He acknowledged that the contract negotiations weighed on his mind in recent months, but his play picked up when the deal got closer to completion.

The 28-year-old Kopitar was selected by the Kings in the first-round (11th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and has spent his entire career with Los Angeles.

Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli each had a goal and an assist in just the second regulation loss in 10 games since Christmas for the Kings, who seemed just as surprised as their fans by their collapse in their return from a four-day break.

“I think we were lucky to ever have the lead in the game”, Kings coach Darryl Sutter said.

A guy like Kopitar, his best years are in front of him.

Kopitar will make $14 million next season, including a $9 million signing bonus.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the deal includes a $9 million bonus next July 1 with an additional $9 million bonus in the summer of 2017.

Darren Dreger reports that Kopitar gets a no move clause kicking in immediately and it will run for the first four years of the deal. Kopitar acknowledged the negotiations were a distraction.

“That’s something that obviously you can’t do”, Kopitar said. He has one of the most well-rounded defensive games in the league, finishing third in the Selke Trophy race last season.

“I’m happy to sign, knowing I am going to stay here a little while longer”, Kopitar said. “Knowing that we have a winning team here, that’s what makes you want to stay here an extended period of time”. “It’s definitely nice knowing (the deal is for) eight years and you can plan ahead in a flawless world if everything goes to my plan and the team’s plan”.