Anze Kopitar will retire after this season, chasing one last deep run with the Kings while savoring every moment as captain in his 20th year. He wants his kids to experience the Cup moment and hopes a final title isn’t just a dream. Robitaille, already Hall of Famer and Kings president, reflects on a career capped by loyalty and leadership. The franchise stands at a crossroads after a strong season and a reshaped front office, with offseason signings and a search for a sustainable next chapter.

Meanwhile, the Kings’ legacy figures—Rob Blake and Ken Holland—navigate a post-cup core, while new pieces like Kuzmenko, Perry, Armia, and Dumoulin join, aiming to keep the playoff flame alive. The club faces voids beyond Kopitar, with the hockey landscape shifting in a league-wide context, setting the stage for emotional farewells, mentorship moments, and a high-stakes chase for another championship glow for a family of fans.

In Kopitar’s wake, the Kings seek continuity from a veteran-laden nucleus (Doughty, Fiala, Kempe, Byfield) while integrating fresh talent and preserving a competitive edge. The narrative blends a farewell tour with a roster-building puzzle, as a storied franchise hopes to convert meaningful nostalgia into new triumphs and a fresh sense of identity.

Ducks sleeper Lukas Dostal stands out as a potential 55+ game starter behind a retooled lineup, making him a late-round goalie target with upside. Kuzmenko lands in a prime spot on Kopitar’s wing, a 65+ point pace feasible in top-line duty and power play time. Perfetti is primed for a breakthrough in Winnipeg on a second line and top PP, while Barzal returns to health with 80-point ceiling if his hot-streak carries into a full season.

These picks hinge on opportunity, health and line-mate chemistry, with a few clear risks: Barzal’s health history, Kuzmenko’s initial role, Perfetti’s consistency and the Jets’ overall offensive depth. For managers chasing value, these names offer meaningful upside without breaking the bank in drafts, especially in deeper formats that reward PP time and shot volume.