Kopitar's No. 11 to be retired by Kings this season

Anze Kopitar, the Los Angeles Kings' all-time leading scorer, will have his No. 11 retired by the Kings in a ceremony at Crypto.com Arena prior to their game against the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 24, 2027.

Kopitar, who retired at the end of last season following a 20-year NHL career, all with the Kings, will become the eighth Los Angeles player to have his number retired, joining Rogie Vachon (No. 30), Marcel Dionne (No. 16), Dave Taylor (No. 18), Wayne Gretzky (No. 99), Luc Robitaille (No. 20), Rob Blake (No. 4) and Dustin Brown (No. 23).

In addition, a bronze statue of Kopitar will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena that same day, making him the fourth Kings player to be so honored, joining statues of Gretzky, Robitaille and Brown.

"To have my number retired and a statue unveiled by the L.A. Kings is an incredible honor, and one that is difficult to put into words," Kopitar said. "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."

Los Angeles' captain since 2016, Kopitar helped lead the Kings to Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. He won the Selke Trophy, voted annually as the NHL's top defensive forward, in 2016 and 2018 and Lady Byng Trophy, voted annually as the NHL's most gentlemanly player, three times, in 2016, 2023 and 2025.

His 1,316 points (452 goals, 864 assists) in 1,521 League games are the most in Kings history; he passed Marcel Dionne (1,307 points; 550 goals, 757 assists in 921 games) for that milestone on March 14. The 38-year-old also had 89 points (27 goals, 62 assists) in 107 playoff games.

Los Angeles' all-time leader in games played, assists and points, Kopitar ranks third in goals, behind Robitaille (557) and Dionne (550).

"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."