Jason Lewis: Player Evaluation: Anze Kopitar

I really can't believe Kopi's only 26. Such a solid player, so underrated. L.A. has done an incredible job of building a team around him and Doughty.

He was huge for this team prior to the first cup. When he went down before round one against sharks it was devastating....that could have been the first deep run for the Kings. They were playing great .....we all new how much losing Kopi would hurt

I love how you nerfed the trolls by only allowing 'A' as an option. Kopi is a top 5 Centre in the league easy. But in the West he only gets mentioned in the playoffs. He was robbed on the Selke this year, but he'll take the cup every time I'm sure. He's one of our best players and any team would love to have him. Go on Toronto media, keep dissing this guy, he feeds off it. When he makes the Hall of Fame then you'll see the light.

Simply put:

One of the best players in the league. Stud.

Easily in the top-10, definitely in the top-5, arguably in the top-3.
- Jason_Lewis

If he's "definitely" in the top-5, I don't think you have to discuss his top-ten status, much like you'd never say Crosby is "Easily in the top-50." But I digress.

You're right, A+, end of story. He was everything you could ask for, and then some. He was a very good player when the Kings won in 2012, and all he's done since then was kick it up about 7 notches. He's become a premier player in the league. You guys are very lucky.

I believe kopi is due the a+.he had a great season,as you said his longest pointless streak was 3 games.he was nominated for the selke, won the cup, and could have been the conn smythe winner too.the guy is a beast.

I love how you nerfed the trolls by only allowing 'A' as an option. Kopi is a top 5 Centre in the league easy. But in the West he only gets mentioned in the playoffs. He was robbed on the Selke this year, but he'll take the cup every time I'm sure. He's one of our best players and any team would love to have him. Go on Toronto media, keep dissing this guy, he feeds off it. When he makes the Hall of Fame then you'll see the light.
- Gretz2Kurri

Do I just keep missing the days where the "Toronto media" disses him? Because I never see it happen. (honest question, not trolling)

Great player, and good write up on him as well. He's got a pretty awesome first name too, makes me hate my first name.

And what he did with Gaborik in the past few months was amazing.

Gaborik needed a stud like Kopitar.

A+

I believe that Deano will do his best to lock him up for the maximum years allowable under the CBA and pay him close to 9 per year next summer. He deserves it and from what i've read, he has a very good relationship with the organization and loves playing in LA.

#11 will be hanging from the rafters at Staples Center the year after he retires.

I believe that Deano will do his best to lock him up for the maximum years allowable under the CBA and pay him close to 9 per year next summer. He deserves it and from what i've read, he has a very good relationship with the organization and loves playing in LA.

#11 will be hanging from the rafters at Staples Center the year after he retires.
- Anjin

Luckly, Dean has 2 years to figure that out.

I want to see Stoll, Williams and Martinez re-signed now. Since they are all free agents next June.

Thank you for limiting the choices. As you can see, the 3 Ducks fans on this board gave him the lowest possible score. At any rate, he's simply a beast. I wouldn't change a thing about his game. Great season from #11.

If he's "definitely" in the top-5, I don't think you have to discuss his top-ten status, much like you'd never say Crosby is "Easily in the top-50." But I digress.

You're right, A+, end of story. He was everything you could ask for, and then some. He was a very good player when the Kings won in 2012, and all he's done since then was kick it up about 7 notches. He's become a premier player in the league. You guys are very lucky.
- jmatchett383

No offense, but he was arguably just as good before most people knew who he was (4 years ago or so) that's the gripe by Kings fans. He has always been great but hasn't, until recently, gotten much recognition on the national level.
He been the heart of this team for years and he is the leader of the team with the rep of being tough to play against since 2009. He has an amazing on ice work ethic. I love sitting by the glass and watching him out work his opponent.

So glad Ottawa drafted franchise defender Brian Lee two spots ahead of Anze in 2005.

Glad to see this guy fulfill his potential - seems like an excellent team mate.

In my eyes

Toews, Crosby, stamkos, Kopitar

He's more like a 30-50/60 players who does all the little things you look for in a player.

not sure i'm reading this right. you mean he's a 30 goal, 50/60 pt player? I think entering his prime now he should be comfortably in the 70-80 range consistently with Gabo riding shotgun, with potential for more.

i think his defensive priorities will keep him from 90+, but so long as they keep marching deep into the playoffs and winning cups, that's a tradeoff i'd take.

not sure i'm reading this right. you mean he's a 30 goal, 50/60 pt player? I think entering his prime now he should be comfortably in the 70-80 range consistently with Gabo riding shotgun, with potential for more.

i think his defensive priorities will keep him from 90+, but so long as they keep marching deep into the playoffs and winning cups, that's a tradeoff i'd take.
- hiway39

30 goal, 50-60 assist. Sorry!

Winning the cup easily seals it. A+++

The cup run in 2012 really pushed Kopi to great heights. He experienced what it took to win playoff hockey, and that was by using his body in a much more physical style. I'm not saying he used to shy away from the contact, but now, when it's playoff time, Kopi throws the body around when it needs to be done.
I thought it was hilarious when people were clamoring about him being shut down in the WCF when he and Toews were matched up. It just wasn't the case. He more than held his own and 95% of Toews offense did not come when he was matched up with Kopi. When Toews is 2 more concussions deep, Kopi will still be collecting the most important hardware because of the smart style of game he plays.

A++ for Kopi

He's a great player and still pretty young...he could even get better.

He sucks.

In my eyes

Toews, Crosby, stamkos, Kopitar
- The_Kuze

Malkin? Those are my 5, not sure the order except I've got Crosby first.

Also, if Datsyuk gets back to form this season I think he probably pushes his way in there. But he's getting old, not sure he will.

The Kings defense-first system keeps Kopitar from 40g/100pt seasons. It's the same reason why Doughty isn't fighting for the defensive point lead in the league, and the same reason why former 46g scorer Jeff Carter only puts up high 20s with the Kings.

If Kopitar played on an offensive powerhouse like Anaheim, Chicago, or Pittsburgh, he'd be flirting with triple digits every season. He would trade the Selke trophy nomination for a Hart nomination as well.

The Kings defense-first system keeps Kopitar from 40g/100pt seasons. It's the same reason why Doughty isn't fighting for the defensive point lead in the league, and the same reason why former 46g scorer Jeff Carter only puts up high 20s with the Kings.
- tkecanuck341

Your general point is accurate, but Jeff Carter did score 26 goals in 48 games in the lockout-shortened season, which is a 44 goal pace for an 82 game season.

Your general point is accurate, but Jeff Carter did score 26 goals in 48 games in the lockout-shortened season, which is a 44 goal pace for an 82 game season.
- DonzoBean

I don't really put much stock in the "on-pace" statistics. Mike Richards was "on-pace" for 70 points about 35 games into the season, and we all saw how that worked out.

Also, in 2012-13, the Kings were tied for 7th in the league in GA, rather than the 2nd and 1st they were in their respective cup winning years. They focused on offense a little more than they did defense last season, and they ended up losing to Chicago in 5.

When the Kings are on top of their game, regular season player stats will be more in line with 2011-12 and 2013-14 than 2012-13.