The Los Angeles Kings have named forward Anze Kopitar the 14th captain in team history, general manager Dean Lombardi announced Thursday.
C https://t.co/WnyHeBPKht pic.twitter.com/XxTL5VfqLB
— #LAKings (@LAKings) June 16, 2016
"It's time for Kopitar to take over," said Lombardi, according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. "He's been bred for it. He's been trained for it. He's one of our top players. And he's moving into his prime."
The 28-year-old has played his entire 10-year NHL career with the Kings, recording 234 goals and 441 assists. He also helped the franchise win its first two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014.
A three-time All-Star, Kopitar's been nominated for both the Lady Byng and Frank J. Selke Trophy in the past two seasons. He's under contract with the Kings through the 2023-24 season.
Very humble feeling and a great honor to be named captain!!
— Anze Kopitar (@AnzeKopitar) June 16, 2016
The Slovenia native has served as an assistant captain since 2008. He inherits the captaincy from teammate Dustin Brown, who's worn the "C" since 2008 and won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2014. The 31-year-old is under contract until 2022.
The Kings haven't decided who will be assistant captains. After stating Brown did a "tremendous job" as captain, Lombardi mentioned the new leadership group will consist of Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Jake Muzzin, saying: "It's essentially their turn."
