Report: Kings, Kopitar in 'final stages' of brokering 8-year, $80M deal
Anze Kopitar and the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly putting the finishing touches on a megadeal.
Kopitar is in the "final stages" of signing an eight-year, $80-million contract extension that will see him earn $10 million annually through 2024, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.
The specifics pertaining to the deal's no-movement conditions are apparently holding up an announcement, according to ESPN's Craig Custance.
TSN's Darren Dreger reports the extension should be finalized Thursday.
Kopitar extension should be completed tomorrow. Front loaded contract. $10million aav as @TSNBobMcKenzie reported. No move part of deal.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 14, 2016
Kopitar's staggering annual cap hit will see him earn the Kings' largest annual salary, unseating Drew Doughty, and become the third-highest-paid player in the NHL, trailing only Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion and nine-year veteran has 12 goals, 35 points, and a plus-17 rating through 42 games.
He continues to own the exemplary possession and efficiency numbers to support his claim as one of the very best two-way forwards in the game.