The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed another of their young stars to a lucrative new contract.

Just four days after re-signing Patrick O'Sullivan the Kings announced on October 11 the re-signing of center Anze Kopitar to a seven-year, $47.6 million contract extension, beginning in 2009-10.

The new deal breaks down to $6.8 million per season against the Kings cap, which is a good deal for the Kings to retain the guy who is unquestionably their franchise player.

Eastern-based NHL fans haven't seen much of Kopitar over the past two seasons, which should be recitified this season with more inter-conference play that will see the Kings playing in the East more frequently.

Kopitar had 20 goals and 61 points in 72 games in his rookie season of 2006-07 and in his sophomore season had 32 goals and 77 points in 82 games, making him the club's leading scorer last season.

He's a highly skilled, hard-working forward and was one of the few bright spots over the Kings miserable two seasons, and the club will build around him, O'Sullivan, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty in the coming seasons.

His commitment to staying long-term with the rebuilding Kings bodes well for their future and could help the club not only re-sign other key player but might also help the club entice quality free agent talent in the future.

Kings GM Dean Lombardi has been criticized by Kings fans over the past two seasons but locking up Kopitar and O'Sullivan are worthy of praise and should ensure a brighter future for the club and its fans.