Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar is facing a significant setback in what is expected to be his farewell season. The team announced on Friday that he has sustained a foot injury that could keep him sidelined for the near future. Kopitar missed the Kings’ recent 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday and has been designated as week-to-week in his recovery.
The injury occurred when Kopitar was struck in the foot by a deflected puck during a shootout loss against the Minnesota Wild on Monday. This season marks the beginning of his 20th and final year in the NHL, a career that has been spent entirely with the Kings. In September 2023, Kopitar announced his impending retirement, adding emotional weight to what fans hope will be a memorable concluding season.
As a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kopitar has made a lasting impact on the franchise. He has twice been awarded the Selke Trophy for being the NHL’s top defensive forward and ranks as the second-leading scorer in Kings history. His accolades also include being a five-time All-Star, underscoring his importance to the team.
The Kings have struggled at the start of the season, losing three consecutive games to bring their record to 1-3-1. New general manager Ken Holland made only a few changes to the roster, which previously matched franchise records for points and victories last season. With Kopitar’s absence, the team faces additional challenges as they prepare to host the unbeaten Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.
Kopitar’s injury not only affects the Kings’ lineup but also raises concerns among fans and team management regarding how they will adjust in the wake of his temporary absence. The hope remains that he will return to the ice soon, allowing him to contribute to the Kings during this pivotal season.
