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Anze Kopitar’s true feelings on ‘incredible honor’ amid retirement appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Kings will be without Anze Kopitar in 2026-27 after the future Hall of Famer retired from the game of hockey. Perhaps the best player in franchise history, he is the only Kings captain to ever win a Stanley Cup, winning two in 2012 and 2014. With his career over, Los Angeles has made the call to honor his legacy with the franchise.
Kopitar will have his number retired in February 2027 before a game against the Montreal Canadiens. No Kings player will ever wear the No. 11 again. It’s one of the highest honors a player can receive from a team. And the future Hall of Famer is certainly appreciative of the gesture from Los Angeles.
“To have my number retired and a statue unveiled by the L.A. Kings is an incredible honor, and one that is difficult to put into words,” Kopitar said, via NHL.com. “When I arrived in Los Angeles 21 years ago, I simply hoped to earn the opportunity to play in the NHL. I never imagined something like this. I have been fortunate to spend my entire career with one organization, surrounded by amazing teammates, coaches, staff and fans who have made this journey so special.”
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Kopitar is the all-time leader in Kings history with 1367 career points. He is one of four players to score 1000+ points in a Los Angeles sweater. He is tied for second all-time in postseason points, though he is one of two players in team history to play 100 or more playoff games.
At this time, Los Angeles has not named a new captain. And it’s likely they elect to play this season without any player wearing the C on their jersey. In any event, the Kings will begin the 2026-27 campaign on September 30th against the Colorado Avalanche.
Related: Kings announce obvious Anze Kopitar honor after retirement
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