On the LA Kings and Anze Kopitar this morning …
- Darren Dreger: A source this morning said that there was contract progress made last night between the LA Kings and Anze Kopitar. It’s not done, but getting closer.
- Darren Dreger: As of late yesterday afternoon the mood around the Kings-Kopitar contract talks were not good as they were running out of patience, but something changed last night.
On the LA King and Anze Kopitar yeseterday …
- Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 radio on Anze Kopitar.
“Many have reported over the past several weeks if not months that the Kopitar deal is imminent. Our group felt there would be an announcement coming early in the new year, in January. Unless Dean Lombardi between about 10 p.m. last night and early this morning has some epiphany and changes his approach, it’s not likely going to happen. Not necessarily that the extension isn’t going to happen, but an announcement any time soon may not happen, and this is not sitting well with his star. It’s a dangerous game Lombardi and the management of the LA Kings are playing these days.”
- TSN Insider Trading: Contract negotiations between the Kings and Anze Kopitar have appeared to hit a snag. Some parts of the deal are in place, but on some other they are “almost at an impasse.”
- Nick Kypreos: (6:49 pm) Many think that the money and term have been agreed upon, but a deal is not immminent. No deal is in place and have been told that talks are at an impasse.
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Kings- Anze Kopitar contract negotiations seem weird. It seemed like Anze Kopitar thought he’d have a deal done with they were in Toronto in December. All signs pointing to a deal getting, but it’s still not there. Conspiracy theorists:
“Is there a problem we’re not aware of?” “Are they at an impasse?”
One executive was wondering if they should start planning on the possibility of Kopitar hitting the market.
