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Who was the LA Kings MVP for this season?

By Scott Kinville

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated by Olli Maatta #6 and Sean Walker #26 for recording his 1,000th career point after assisting on an empty-net goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on May 05, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated by Olli Maatta #6 and Sean Walker #26 for recording his 1,000th career point after assisting on an empty-net goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on May 05, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LA Kings Anze Kopitar
LA Kings (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) /

Nominee number one: Anze Kopitar

As usual, the captain of the LA Kings had an excellent season.

The 33-year-old center far and away led the Kings in scoring this season with a stat line of 13 goals and 37 assists for a total of 50 points. The mainstay number one center for the team, he once again showed his durability by playing in all 56 games while averaging 21:11 of time on ice. Despite all of his playing time, Kopitar only took ten minutes in penalties.

What makes Anze Kopitar so special is he can do anything that is asked of him. Need a big goal? He’s your man. Need a big penalty kill? Put Kopitar out there. Anze has been the “do anything the team needs” guy since he arrived in LA over a decade ago.

light. Related Story. Walker: “Unbelievable” to be on the Ice with Anze Kopitar

The LA Kings are loaded with prospects at the center position, and it will be a strength for the team in the very near future. However, this season was in flux for long stretches of the season except for on the first line, where Kopitar has been the one constant. As Quinton Byfield, Gabe Vilardi, Alex Turcotte, and Jaret Anderson-Dolan continue their development, Kopitar will mentor the youngsters while being an anchor for the team.

To illustrate his career of excellence, Kopitar scored his 1,000th NHL point this year, his 15th season in the NHL.

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