This won't just be another retirement ceremony for the Los Angeles Kings. The great number 11 for franchise icon Anze Kopitar will soon be hanging from the rafters for the Kings at Crypto.com Arena this upcoming season.
Kopitar, the center who became the face of the Kings' franchise for two decades, will be recognized by the organization this upcoming February.
It was announced late this week that the Kings will retire Kopitar's No. 11 and reveal a bronze statue of him outside of Crypto.com Arena when Los Angeles faces the Montreal Canadiens on home ice on Feb. 24, 2027. Kopitar will be the eighth player in franchise history to have their number retired by the Kings.
"To have my number retired and a statue unveiled by the LA Kings is an incredible honor, and one that is difficult to put into words. 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. I share this honor with everyone who has been part of it, especially my family, whose love and support have meant everything to me."Anze Kopitar
No player has meant more to the modern Los Angeles Kings than Anze Kopitar
Kopitar spent all 20 seasons of his NHL career playing for the Kings franchise. He won two Stanley Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014, and has been Los Angeles' captain since 2016.
The all-time franchise leader in points, games played, and assists, Kopitar really became the first Slovenian superstar in the NHL in the last couple of decades. Kopitar was the biggest factor that helped the Kings go from a struggling franchise in a transitional period in the late 2000s to a two-time Stanley Cup Champion in the following decade.
The atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena is guaranteed to be unique and electric on the night of Kopitar's jersey retirement. With the amount of former teammates of his with the Kings that are likely going to be in attendance for that event will be very special for him and the franchise.
It will be the final opportunity for Kings fans to celebrate Kopitar after his retirement following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Championships can define legacies, but so does loyalty, consistency, and leadership. Kopitar gave the Kings all of that for 20 seasons. Retiring the No. 11 isn't just about honoring one of the greatest players in franchise history, but it's also about celebrating and recognizing the player who helped to define the most successful era that Los Angeles has ever experienced.
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