Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar is on the verge of signing with Mora IK of the Swedish League, his agent said on Monday afternoon.
Kopitar had 25 goals and 51 assists last year as he helped lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Championship. The agreement with Mora came together quickly -- the NHL only locked their players out on Saturday.
Anze Kopitar's agent, Pat Brisson, tells me they "should have a deal in place with Mora" of Sweden's Div II league. Should be finalized soon
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 17, 2012
Although he won't be playing in Sweden's premier league, a number of factors benefitted Kopitar in his move across the pond. Kopitar will be allowed to sign with Mora for the duration of the lockout because Mora is a second-tier league. Kopitar is also familiar with Sweden, and Mora in particular. His younger brother, Gasper Kopitar, currently plays for the team, and Anze Kopitar left Slovenia to play in Sweden at age 16 to improve his game.
Kopitar also received interest from teams in the Swiss National League.
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