The LA Kings are giving Anze Kopitar the franchise’s highest individual honor, announcing that his No. 11 will be retired and a bronze statue will be unveiled at Crypto.com Arena on February 24, 2027, when the team hosts the Montreal Canadiens.
Kopitar, the Kings’ all-time leader in games played (1,521), assists (864) and points (1,316), will become the eighth player in franchise history to have his number retired. He’ll join Rogie Vachon (#30), Marcel Dionne (#16), Dave Taylor (#18), Wayne Gretzky (#99), Luc Robitaille (#20), Rob Blake (#4) and Dustin Brown (#23) in that group.
The statue outside Crypto.com Arena will be the fourth in Kings history, with Kopitar set to join Gretzky, Robitaille and Brown. Broadcaster Bob Miller also has a banner at the arena.
“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,” said Kopitar. “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. I am truly grateful to be recognized in this way by an organization that has given me so much.”
Luc Robitaille, the Kings’ president, said Kopitar “has defined what it means to be a Los Angeles King for the past two decades.” Robitaille added that Kopitar’s “leadership, consistency and commitment to excellence have helped shape the identity of our franchise, both on and off the ice,” and said, “Anze's legacy extends far beyond the records, awards and championships.
He has inspired generations of Kings fans and left an indelible mark on our franchise, and the Los Angeles and Southern California community. We look forward to celebrating Anze, Ines and their family on what will be an unforgettable day in Kings history.”
Tickets for February 24 are available now through a Season Ticket Membership or a 6-game mini plan at lakings.com. Information on single-game tickets will be released later.
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Anze Kopitars long Kings run is heading toward a fitting ending to the story. Los Angeles will retire his No. 11 jersey and unveil a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 24, 2027, a public salute to a player who spent 20 seasons in the organization and left as the franchise leader in games played, points and assists.
Kopitar also helped power the Kings to two Stanley Cups, which is the sort of achievement that tends to separate a great career from a truly permanent one. When his statue goes up, hell stand alongside Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Dustin Brown in one of the franchises highest honors, a reminder of how deeply Kopitar shaped the teams modern identity. [Read more 🡒]
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Still, the bigger question in Los Angeles has not gone away. Even with the new pieces in place, the front office has yet to find a true answer for replacing Anze Kopitar or to add the puck-moving defenseman the roster still seems to need, and those gaps matter for a team that is trying to finally get past the first playoff round. The offseason may have improved the outlook, but the Kings are still carrying at least one pressure point into the season. [Read more 🡒]