Los Angeles Kings Anze Kopitar deserves a statue for all the blood, sweat, and tears he has poured into the franchise over the years. Kopitar and the Kings were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs today in a series sweep executed by the Colorado Avalanche. Los Angeles’ season is over, and so is Kopitar’s career in the NHL. He announced before opening night of the regular season that 2025-26 would be his last in the league and was hopeful that Los Angeles could make a true playoff push, but that did not come to fruition.
Why Kopitar Is The Greatest Los Angeles Kings Player Ever
Kopitar has played with the Kings since he was 19 years old, and after 20 seasons, he is hanging up the skates. He helped bring two Stanley Cups to Los Angeles in 2012 and 2014. He did not do it alone, because Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, and Jonathan Quick contributed as well.
Kopitar, also known as Raccoon Jesus based on his appearance, has captained the Kings since 2016 and is a true role model of a leader on and off the ice. He was awarded the NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2022 for his display of leadership skills. He has also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016, 2023, and 2025 by exhibiting a tremendous level of sportsmanship and conduct combined with an exemplary playing ability.
Kopitar is the Kings’ all-time leader in games played (1,521), assists (864), points (1,316), and game-winning goals (79). He is the second most influential hockey player to play with Los Angeles, only behind The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. The Kings genuinely were struggling as a franchise when Kopitar debuted in 2006. In the years that followed, the team improved, consistently appearing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For five consecutive seasons, the Kings have made the postseason but have not been able to surpass the first round. This year was no exception, thanks to the Avalanche.
Even when Kopitar had opportunities to leave during down years or waive his no-trade clause, he remained loyal to Los Angeles and their fans. His determination and dedication to pursue success with the team that gave him his first big chance to leave his home country of Slovenia are admirable. He will definitely have his number retired and hung in the rafters, but it is only right that they reward that loyalty further with a statue in his honor at Crypto.com Arena.
Kings Anze Kopitar Has A Los Angeles Legacy That Spans Farther Than Hockey
Kopitar is a modern-day Los Angeles sports legend, along with the likes of Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers), Landon Donovan (Galaxy), and Kobe Bryant (Lakers). His impact on the communities of Los Angeles have been shown through his work with pet adoption services and the volunteering he commits to. He is respected across Los Angeles, and the many Kings fans adorning his jersey are proof of that. He is a genuine difference maker off the rink and will always be remembered for all of his contributions to the Kings and the city of Los Angeles.
