Canadiens fans weren't expecting this update on Anze Kopitar

The Los Angeles Kings confirmed Friday they'll retire Anze Kopitar's No. 11 and unveil a bronze statue in his honor.

The date is set for February 24, 2027, when the Kings host the Montreal Canadiens at Crypto.com Arena.

The organization is calling it a one of one honor, and Kopitar sits as the franchise's all-time leading scorer, according to the team's own announcement.

The tribute lands as the Kings enter a new era behind the bench. Peter Laviolette was hired as head coach on June 9, 2026.

General manager Ken Holland, in charge since May 2025, inherits a roster that finished last season 35-27-20 with a -22 goal differential.

LA was far better away from home than at Crypto.com Arena, going 20-10-11 on the road compared to 15-17-9 at home.

The Kings also closed the year on a two-game skid, dropping the finale 1-3 on the road against Calgary.

Montreal will be the visiting team for the ceremony, and it won't be a soft landing spot. Martin St-Louis guided the Canadiens to a 48-24-10 finish worth 106 points.

General manager Kent Hughes has run that operation since January 2022, and the results show it. Montreal posted a 24-9-8 road record of its own.

The Canadiens weren't perfect down the stretch either, dropping a 2-4 decision at Philadelphia in their last game before the campaign ended.

How many players currently wearing the crown will still be around by the time that statue goes up outside the building?

Ceremony set for Feb. 24, 2027 against Montreal

This is the right call. Kopitar has always said that if there's any other team he would have played for in the NHL, it's the Canadiens.

A statue outside the arena does something a banner cannot. It stops people mid stride and makes them stand still for a second.

There's no word yet on who joins Kopitar for the ceremony, or which alumni will be in the building that night.

The Kings have close to a year and a half to get it right. Whether this current group is playing meaningful hockey by the time that banner goes up is a separate story entirely.