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Kopitar doesn’t want to obsess about future with Kings

Anze Kopitar

Anze Kopitar

AP

If you’re a Los Angeles Kings fan or fantasy hockey player, the Milan Lucic - Anze Kopitar - Marian Gaborik line is intriguing beyond its blend of skill and size.

Specifically, the group is especially fun to monitor because both Lucic and Kopitar might be gearing up for big paydays if they can manage strong contract years.

That may be true, but Kopitar when it comes to negotiations, the center relayed to media including the OC Register that he wants “to be involved as little as possible, really.”

Maybe most interestingly, he didn’t totally dismiss the notion of leaving the Kings after the 2015-16 season.

''That’s still a long ways away,’’ Kopitar said. ''My mind is on hockey right now. Would it be ideal to get it done now and not think about it? Yes. But if it’s not (done), it’s just not. I’ve just got to start here (Wednesday) and just play the way I can. It doesn’t matter if it’s my last year or not. I’ve got to play and do my thing.’’

Granted, Kopitar leaving Los Angeles seems far-fetched; the OC Register points out that he bought two homes in the area just last December.

Either way, it’s clear that the Slovenia native has a lot of money running on this season, so opponents - and maybe the Kings’ money managers - better watch out.