Imagine witnessing a legendary player's final curtain call in the NHL, where every shift could etch his name into immortality—now that's the heart-pounding drama unfolding for Anze Kopitar as he gears up for his swan song with the Los Angeles Kings. With just 18 points needed to eclipse Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne as the franchise's all-time top scorer, this 38-year-old center is on the brink of another unforgettable chapter in what feels like an emotional farewell tour. But here's where it gets controversial: does surpassing Dionne automatically crown Kopitar as the greatest King of all time? Let's dive in and explore this gripping storyline together.
Kopitar's chance to close that gap arrives soon—on Monday, when the Kings captain and his squad welcome the Ottawa Senators to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for a 9 p.m. ET showdown (catch it on FDSNW, Prime, or RDS2). And as per tradition, expect to see Kings president Luc Robitaille in attendance, a man whose 1,154 points rank him third in team history, trailing only Dionne's 1,307 and Kopitar's current 1,290.
These three stalwarts are part of an elite pantheon of talent that's graced the Los Angeles ice since the team's launch in 1967. We're talking about forwards like the legendary Wayne Gretzky, who amassed 918 points with the Kings, Bernie Nicholls with 758, and Drew Doughty, the defenseman leading all blueliners in franchise scoring at 694—though Doughty, much like Kopitar, is still suiting up today. Don't overlook the goaltending heroes either: Jonathan Quick, the wins leader with 370, and Hall of Famer Rogie Vachon, whose saves have become the stuff of lore.
Amid this star-studded lineup, what elevates Kopitar to the pinnacle for Kings broadcaster Jim Fox? 'I'll say it again: Anze Kopitar is the absolute best player in Kings history,' Fox declares emphatically. And this is the part most people miss—his reasoning cuts straight to the heart of loyalty. Gretzky? Sure, he dazzled in LA, but he hoisted four Stanley Cups with Edmonton, cementing his legacy as an Oiler. Dionne contributed brilliantly, yet he split time with Detroit and the Rangers, not committing his entire career to the Kings. Robitaille? He was once the NHL's top-scoring left winger, but he bounced around Pittsburgh, Detroit, the Rangers, and even returned sporadically. Kopitar, however, has been a King from day one to his planned departure. That's the loyalty factor that puts him atop Fox's list.
Fox isn't just some casual observer; he's a guy who's lived the Kings' story intimately. Drafted 10th overall by the team in 1980, he skated nine seasons in LA before knee injuries forced his retirement in 1990. Soon after, he transitioned to broadcasting, where he's remained a fixture, providing expert analysis on the team. This means he's watched Kopitar's journey unfold from the very start, beginning when the 6-foot-3, 225-pound pivot was selected 11th by LA in the 2005 NHL Draft. Since then, Kopitar has dominated as the team's all-time assists king with 846, and he's earned accolades like the Selke Trophy twice (in 2016 and 2018), which recognizes the league's top defensive forward—a nod to his elite playmaking while shutting down opponents. He's also won the Lady Bing award three times (2016, 2023, 2025), honoring the most gentlemanly player, and snagged the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2022 for his on- and off-ice inspiration. And let's not forget, he teamed up with Doughty to deliver two Stanley Cup victories for the Kings in 2012 and 2014—those championships are the ultimate team triumphs that define greatness.
Speaking of Doughty, he's unfortunately sidelined for Monday's game, placed on injured reserve after taking a shot to the body during a 1-0 win in Ottawa on November 15. It's a tough break for the defenseman, who during the offseason made a heartfelt pitch to convince Kopitar to reconsider retirement. 'I gave it a shot this summer,' Doughty shared, 'and then he went public with his decision. I'm respecting his choice now.' Kopitar himself laughed it off when recalling the attempt: 'Yeah, he tried to change my mind,' he said, 'but it didn't stick.'
Heading into his last NHL campaign, Kopitar is already off to a solid start with 12 points—four goals and eight assists—while sitting at a plus-7 in 18 games. More than stats, though, he's embracing every moment: from high-stakes games to grueling practices and even team dinners. 'I'm just aiming to soak it all in and have as much fun as possible,' he explained. 'Whether it's the last visit to a familiar rink or facing off against old rivals, it all adds up. I made a promise to myself to cherish this season, to absorb every bit of it. Of course, I still crave victories—not just participation for the sake of it. I want to perform at my peak, leave a lasting impression, and enjoy the ride while I'm at it.'
As Kopitar chases that scoring record and soaks up his farewell tour, it begs the question: should unwavering loyalty to one team outweigh sheer talent and achievements elsewhere? Is Fox's take spot-on, or does comparing Kopitar to icons like Gretzky—who built dynasties in Edmonton—spark debate? What do you think—does Kopitar truly deserve the throne as the Kings' greatest ever, or is there room for disagreement? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint to add to the conversation!
