Kings retiring Kopitar's No. 11, unveiling bronze statue

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings salutes the fans after the 5-1 loss against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Anze Kopitar plans to retire at the conclusion of this season.
Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Kings will retire Anze Kopitar's No. 11 and unveil a bronze statue of the franchise great on February 24, 2027, the team announced Friday.

The ceremony will take place at Crypto.com Arena before the Kings host the Montreal Canadiens.

"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. "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."

Kopitar officially retired at the end of the 2025-26 season following a legendary 20-year career with the Kings.

He will become the eighth Kings player to have his number retired, joining Rogie Vachon, Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor, Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Rob Blake, and Dustin Brown.

Kopitar, a two-time Cup champ and five-time All-Star, is the franchise leader in games played (1,512), assists (864), and points (1,316).

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