Quite a day
By the way, don't forget, the season starts in about an hour...
Today's signing of Anze Kopitar to a seven-year contract extension is arguably the Kings' biggest and most notable transaction since a certain Great One came to town. Kopitar and the Kings have committed to each other well into the next decade, even in these uncertain times, with uncertainty surrounding the Kings' building plan and uncertainty all around financially. It's a bold move and one that should infuse the organization. What will it mean on the ice? Maybe nothing. We'll see.
The reason this big deal is not a surprise is that the Kings love Kopitar. They consider him a great player, a great teammate and a hard worker, a respectful kid who represents himself and the organization well. If you're a GM looking at the possibility of shelling out almost $50 million, you definitely want to feel good about those areas just mentioned.
My thanks to Jill for chatting with Kopitar, on a day when you already had another assignment. I'll be blogging during the game, for anyone who needs updates or just wants to humor me...
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About Rich Hammond
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
rich I'm in 219. Wave haha
Thanks for all the hard work as always Rich! Also, a special thanks to Jill for all her additions to the blog. Love the excitement today. Let's hope we can carry all of this positive energy into the game tonight. I hope some of you going to the game in SJ tonight will Booo Fl4ke loud enough to hear on TV. Go kings!!!
Well, Gretzky couldn't bring a cup to LA. Kopitar now has 8 years to try. Unless, he is traded before the contract starts. :)
I've been grinning ear to ear all day. First game of the season and Kopitar a Kings until the middle of next decade. If the Kings beat the Sharks tonight, it'll be one of the greatest days in recent Kings memory. Go Kings!