Number 11 to the Rafters: LA Kings Announce Anze Kopitar’s Jersey Retirement and Statue Unveiling
The Los Angeles Kings have officially announced what every hockey fan in Southern California has known was coming for years: Anze Kopitar’s iconic No. 11 will be retired and raised to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena. In a morning announcement that sent waves of nostalgia and celebration throughout the Kings’ fanbase, the organization confirmed that the ceremony will take place on February 24, 2027, when the Kings host the Montreal Canadiens.
Adding to the magnitude of the honor, the Kings will also unveil a bronze statue of Kopitar outside the arena, cementing his legacy alongside the greatest figures in Los Angeles sports history.
“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,” Kopitar said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
A Legacy Etched in Silver and Black
Anze Kopitar is, quite simply, the greatest player to ever wear a Los Angeles Kings uniform. While Wayne Gretzky brought unprecedented star power and Marcel Dionne provided highlight-reel scoring, it was Kopitar who served as the foundational pillar for the most successful era in franchise history.
Drafted 11th overall in 2005, the native of Jesenice, Slovenia, arrived in Los Angeles and immediately changed the trajectory of the organization. He recently completed his 20th and final NHL season, all spent with the Kings. Over those two decades, he systematically dismantled the franchise record book.
Kopitar retires as the Kings’ all-time leader in games played (1,521), assists (864), and points (1,316). He surpassed Dionne’s legendary points record—a mark that stood for over 45 years—on March 14, 2026, in New Jersey. His 1,521 regular-season games rank 23rd in NHL history and are the seventh-most played by any player with a single franchise.
But Kopitar’s legacy extends far beyond regular-season statistics. He was the ultimate two-way center, a player whose defensive conscience was just as elite as his offensive vision. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward twice (2015-16, 2017-18) and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times.
Most importantly, he delivered when it mattered most. Kopitar was the leading scorer for the Kings during both of their Stanley Cup championship runs in 2012 and 2014. He holds franchise playoff records for games played (107) and ranks in the top three for postseason goals, assists, points, and game-winning goals.
“Anze Kopitar has defined what it means to be a Los Angeles King for the past two decades,” said Kings President Luc Robitaille. “His leadership, consistency and commitment to excellence have helped shape the identity of our franchise, both on and off the ice. He has earned the respect of everyone who has had the opportunity to play with him, coach him or watch him compete. Anze’s legacy extends far beyond the records, awards and championships.”
Joining the Legends
When No. 11 is raised to the rafters on February 24, Kopitar will become the eighth player in Kings history to have his number retired. He joins an exclusive club that includes Rogie Vachon (30), Marcel Dionne (16), Dave Taylor (18), Wayne Gretzky (99), Luc Robitaille (20), Rob Blake (4), and his longtime teammate and friend, Dustin Brown (23).
The unveiling of his bronze statue will place him in even rarer company. Created by renowned sculptors Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, the statue will be the fourth honoring a Kings player in Star Plaza, joining Gretzky, Robitaille, and Brown. The plaza, located along Chick Hearn Court outside Crypto.com Arena, serves as a monument to Los Angeles sports royalty, featuring icons like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal.
The decision to host the ceremony against the Montreal Canadiens adds a touch of historical symmetry. The Canadiens are one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, and a Saturday night matchup against an Original Six opponent will provide a fittingly grand stage for the celebration.
The Transition Begins
While the announcement of Kopitar’s jersey retirement provides a moment for reflection and celebration, it also underscores the massive transition currently underway for the Kings. For the first time since 2006, the team is preparing for a season without No. 11 anchoring the top line and the locker room.
The void left by Kopitar’s retirement is immense, both on the ice and in terms of leadership. He served as the team’s captain since 2016, a steady, calming presence who led by example.
As the Kings prepare for training camp in September under new head coach Peter Laviolette, the focus shifts to the next generation. Quinton Byfield, the 23-year-old phenom who recently signed a massive contract extension, is expected to assume the mantle as the team’s number one center. Byfield has shown flashes of dominance, but replacing Kopitar’s two-way consistency is a monumental task.
The Kings have also aggressively retooled their roster to compensate for the loss of their captain. General Manager Ken Holland brought in veteran forwards Mats Zuccarello, Erik Haula, and Corey Perry, while also adding high-priced talent like Artemi Panarin. The goal is to create a more balanced, aggressive offensive attack that doesn’t rely as heavily on a single player.
Preseason Battles Looming
The first look at this post-Kopitar era will come quickly. The Kings’ preseason schedule kicks off on September 19 with the “Empire Classic” against the Vegas Golden Knights in Ontario. They will then host the Utah Mammoth on September 22 before playing a home-and-home series against the Anaheim Ducks.
These exhibition games will be crucial for Laviolette and his coaching staff as they evaluate line combinations and implement a new, more aggressive defensive system under Associate Coach Phil Housley.
Before the veterans take the ice, the Kings’ top prospects will compete in the NHL Rookie Faceoff tournament in San Jose from September 12-15. This event will feature highly touted youngsters like Elton Hermansson and Henry Brzustewicz, players who represent the future of the franchise and who will be tasked with carrying on the standard of excellence established by Kopitar.
A Night to Remember
The 2026-27 season will be a journey into uncharted territory for the Los Angeles Kings. There will undoubtedly be growing pains as the team adjusts to life without its longtime captain. But amidst the uncertainty of a new era, February 24, 2027, is already circled on the calendar.
It will be a night to celebrate a player who arrived as a quiet teenager from Slovenia and departed as a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a record-holder, and a legend. Anze Kopitar gave everything he had to the Los Angeles Kings for 20 years. Soon, his number will hang in the rafters, and his likeness will stand in bronze, ensuring that his legacy will inspire generations of Kings fans for decades to come.
For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates on the LA Kings, be sure to check out the “LA Kings Weekly” show on our YouTube channel. We’ll be breaking down all the preseason action and previewing the regular season as the Kings embark on this highly anticipated campaign.
