Hockey

Anze Kopitar’s Jersey Retirement and Statue Set to Cement Kings Legacy

The Los Angeles Kings announce a February 2027 ceremony to honor the franchise’s all‑time leading scorer

A Franchise’s Tribute

The Los Angeles Kings will retire Anze Kopitar’s No. 11 jersey and unveil a bronze statue at Crypto.com Arena, marking the highest individual honor the franchise has bestowed.

The ceremony is scheduled for February 24, 2027, and will join Kopitar with eight other legends whose numbers have been retired by the team.

Kopitar finished his 20‑year NHL career with the Kings, amassing 1,316 points in 1,521 games, a record that eclipsed Marcel Dionne’s 1,307 points on March 14, 2026.

His 15 seasons as the team’s top scorer, combined with two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014, underscore his impact both on the ice and in the locker room.

Beyond his playing résumé, Kopitar served as alternate captain from 2008 and captain from 2016, guiding the club through six playoff appearances and earning two Selke Trophies, three Lady Byng awards, and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

The bronze statue will stand alongside existing tributes to Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Dustin Brown, reinforcing the franchise’s deep connection to Los Angeles and its hockey heritage.

Kopitar’s off‑ice work with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation further illustrates his commitment to the community that embraced him for two decades.

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