Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar signed a two-year, $14 million extension on Thursday.

Kopitar, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and five-time All-Star, is now under contract with the club through the 2025-26 season. The 17-year-veteran turns 36 in August.

“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,” Kings general manager Rob Blake said in a news release. “He is the heart and soul of this team as our captain and he will continue to play a major role on our club.”

Kopitar had 28 goals and 74 points in 82 games last season while winning the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) for the second time in his career.

Last season was Kopitar’s most productive campaign since having 35 goals and 92 points in the 2017-18 season. That stellar campaign also marked the second time in three seasons that Kopitar won the Selke Award as the league’s top defensive forward.

“Los Angeles has become home for me and my family, and I’m excited to extend my career here,” Kopitar said. “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 a big component when the Kings won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. He scored 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 20 games during the 2012 postseason and 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) in 26 games during the 2014 playoffs.

Overall, Kopitar has 77 postseason points (24 goals, 53 assists) in 92 games.

In 1,292 regular-season games with the Kings, Kopitar has 393 goals and 748 assists for 1,141 points. He ranks second in franchise history in games played and assists, third in points and fourth in goals.

Kopitar made the All-Star team in 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2020. He has 12 seasons of 20 or more goals.

–Field Level Media