The Los Angeles Kings are set to bestow a profound honor upon their former captain, Anze Kopitar, by retiring his iconic No. 11 jersey and unveiling a statue in his likeness. This recognition, scheduled for the 2026-27 season, will cement his legacy as one of the most revered figures in the franchise's history. These momentous events will take place on February 24, prior to the Kings' home game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Celebration of a Kings Legend: Anze Kopitar's Enduring Impact
On February 24, 2027, the hockey world will turn its attention to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles as the Kings pay tribute to Anze Kopitar. Having dedicated two decades to the team before concluding his playing career at the close of the 2025-26 season, Kopitar's career is a tapestry woven with remarkable achievements. He was a pivotal force behind the Kings' two Stanley Cup victories and holds numerous franchise records, including an impressive 452 goals, 864 assists, 1,316 points, and a staggering 1,521 games played. His individual accolades include two Selke Trophies for the league's top defensive forward in 2016 and 2018, and three Lady Byng Trophies in 2016, 2023, and 2025, recognizing his sportsmanship and high standard of play.
Expressing profound gratitude, Kopitar remarked on the overwhelming sentiment of this honor. He reflected on his journey, stating that his initial ambition upon arriving in Los Angeles 21 years ago was simply to compete in the NHL, never imagining such a grand culmination of his career. He attributed his success and the significance of this recognition to his exceptional teammates, coaches, staff, and the unwavering support of the fans, along with the steadfast love of his family.
Luc Robitaille, President of the Kings, underscored Kopitar's indelible mark on the organization. Robitaille highlighted Kopitar's leadership, consistency, and commitment to excellence as defining characteristics that have shaped the team's identity both on and off the ice. He emphasized that Kopitar's influence extends beyond his impressive statistics, awards, and championships, having inspired generations of Kings enthusiasts and leaving a lasting imprint on the franchise and the Southern California community. The ceremony is anticipated to be an unforgettable day for the Kings and Kopitar's family, including his wife, Ines.
Kopitar will join an elite group as the eighth Kings player to have his jersey retired, a list that includes hockey luminaries such as Rob Blake (No. 4), Marcell Dionne (No. 16), Dave Taylor (No. 18), Robitaille himself (No. 20), Dustin Brown (No. 23), Rogie Vachon (No. 30), and Wayne Gretzky (No. 99). Furthermore, he will become the fourth player, alongside Brown, Robitaille, and Gretzky, to be immortalized with a statue outside the arena, a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the sport and the Kings organization.
The announcement of Anze Kopitar's jersey retirement and statue unveiling underscores the profound connection between dedicated athletes and the communities they represent. It serves as a powerful reminder of how hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to a craft can lead to not only personal triumph but also to becoming an enduring symbol for an entire franchise and its fanbase. This tribute to Kopitar is more than just recognizing individual achievements; it's a celebration of a legacy built on character, skill, and the pursuit of greatness, offering inspiration for future generations of athletes and fans alike.
