Anze Kopitar Contract Overview
Anze Kopitar is a Slovenian professional ice hockey center and captain of the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League. His current contract is an eight year deal signed on June 28, 2024, with an average annual value of 10.1 million dollars and a total cap hit of 10.1 million dollars per season, according to CapFriendly. The contract runs through the 2031 32 NHL season, with a full no movement clause and a full no trade clause that gives Kopitar complete control over any potential trade.
The base salary for the final season of the deal is set at 10.1 million dollars for the 2031 32 season, while the signing bonus structure was designed to provide immediate cap relief in the first year of the extension. The contract was reported by multiple outlets including ESPN as one of the most significant extensions in recent NHL history, reflecting Kopitar's status as a perennial Selke Trophy finalist and franchise cornerstone.
Kopitar Contract Salary Cap and Term Structure
The annual cap hit of 10.1 million dollars places Kopitar among the highest paid forwards in the NHL as of the latest salary cap update for the 2024 25 season. The salary cap for the 2024 25 NHL season is set at 88 million dollars per team, meaning Kopitar accounts for roughly 11.5 percent of the Kings total cap space, according to NHL.com. His cap hit remains flat across the entire term with no front loaded or back loaded salary structure that would create future flexibility.
The term of the contract spans eight seasons from 2024 25 through 2031 32, with a full no movement clause that restricts the Kings from trading, buying out, or assigning Kopitar without his consent. The contract also includes a full no trade clause, which is the strongest version of the player opt out provision available in the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement. This structure ensures long term stability for the Kings while limiting their ability to maneuver under the salary cap in future seasons.
Kopitar Contract Impact on Los Angeles Kings Roster
With the Kopitar contract now in place, the Kings face significant cap constraints heading into the 2024 25 season and beyond. The team must balance his 10.1 million dollar cap hit with the need to retain other key players such as Adrian Kempe and Viktor Arvidsson while also complying with the salary floor requirements. The Kings have approximately 88 million dollars in total cap space for the 2024 25 season, which means they have limited flexibility to add depth or address defensive needs without moving other contracts or buying out existing deals.
Kopitar's contract has been described by analysts on Forbes as a major commitment that reflects the Kings confidence in his continued production and leadership. He remains one of the most complete two way forwards in the league, with career totals that place him among the all time leaders in points for the franchise. His ability to maintain elite two way play while carrying a heavy cap load will be critical to the Kings competitiveness in the Pacific Division and their pursuit of a deep playoff run in the 2024 25 NHL season.