The Los Angeles Kings will retire former captain Anze Kopitar’s No. 11 during the 2026-27 campaign and honour him with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena, the team announced on Friday.
The Kings will unveil the statue and hold a jersey retirement ceremony prior to their game against the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 24.
Kopitar, 38, played 20 seasons with the Kings and retired at the end of last season.
He helped lead the Kings to Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014, which were the first in franchise history.
The 6-foot-3 former centre is the Kings’ all-time leader in games played (1,521), goals (452), assists (864), and points (1,316). He also captained the team 10 seasons and helped lead the team to 12 playoff appearances during his tenure.
“Anze Kopitar has defined what it means to be a Los Angeles King for the past two decades,” said Kings president Luc Robitaille in a statement. “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. He has inspired generations of Kings fans and left an indelible mark on our franchise, and the Los Angeles and Southern California community.”
Kopitar was recognized as one of the league’s best defensive forwards, winning the Selke Trophy in 2016 and 2018. He also won the Lady Byng Trophy three times (2016, 2023, 2025) as the league’s most gentlemanly player, and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2022.
He becomes the eighth Kings player in to have his number retired, joining Rob Blake, Marcell Dionne, Dave Taylor, Robitaille, Rogie Vachon, and Wayne Gretzky.
Kopitar’s statue will be the 15th outside of Crypto.com Arena and fourth King, joining Brown, Robitaille, Gretzky, and long-time broadcaster Bob Miller.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
