Contract on Kopitar's mind 'from time to time'; Stamkos says he's not distracted

Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar says the uncertainty around his future hasn't been easy to completely ignore.

"(I'd) be lying if I say it doesn't creep up from time to time," he told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

The Kings were reportedly making progress on an eight-year contract extension for the pending unrestricted free agent in October, and talks have been ongoing since at least September.

Kopitar has seven goals, four assists, and only 33 shots on goal in 21 games, but he's notched four points in the last three contests after a five-game goal drought.

The three-time All-Star and two-time Stanley Cup champion is in the final season of the seven-year, $47.6-million extension he signed as a 21-year-old in 2008.

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Kings at Amalie Arena on Wednesday night, and captain Steven Stamkos is also in a contract year. He insists he's not affected by the negotiations.

"When I come to the rink, it's really not on my mind," Stamkos said.

"For me, it's been pretty easy. It's not, I'm on the ice, 'Oh I better make this play because it's my contract year.' It's the furthest thing from the truth. It's been nice to get on this run as a team and help produce and help us get out of the funk we were in."