If we took the time to list out all the different ways Anze Kopitar has made an impact on the Los Angeles Kings franchise it would probably end up being as long as one of those scrolls you see in fairytale movies. When you think of some of the best captains in the NHL, one of the few people who pop up in our mind is Kopitar.
With over 1,400 games played with the Kings, over 1,200 points accumulated over that span, two Stanley Cups, two Selke Trophies, two Lady Byng Trophies, and one Mark Messier Leadership award, Kopitar isn’t only the face of the Kings but is one of the best to ever do it.
In recent years, aside from Kopitar, the most impactful Kings forward has been Adrian Kempe. A consistent point producer for the Kings putting up 369 points in 591 games. During all three of those dreadful playoff series in the past three years against the Edmonton Oilers, Kempe has been one of, if not the most productive player for the Kings with 19 points in those 18 playoff games. The elite sniper has put this team on his back when it comes to scoring goals, especially in dire moments. He shows up when it matters most.
These two forwards have formed a dynamic duo in Los Angeles and have been building that chemistry, playing together consistently since the 2020-21 season. It wasn’t until Kempe began playing with Kopitar that he really started to become an impactful forward who could be relied upon to put the puck in the net.
The two of them have been the biggest driving forces for the Kings and they only seem to get better even with Kopitar’s age. Kempe has 41 points through 43 games played this season and is on pace to improve his point totals once again, projected to finish with the most amount of points he has had in his career with 80. Kopitar at age 37, has 41 points in 43 games and is on pace to finish with more points than he has had in the past six seasons (80).
Not only did Kopitar elevate Kempe’s game a while back, but the two of them together have been able to welcome in young, inexperienced players on their line and be the ones to help develop them. Confidence, point production, awareness, and impact have all blossomed for two young forwards when playing alongside Kopitar and Kempe.
Byfield Broke Out
First, it was Quinton Byfield. It took a few years for Byfield to transition into a full-time NHLer. He began playing consistently in 2022-23 where he…
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