Anze Kopitar

History

2004-05: Kopitar finished first with 49 points and second with 28 goals in the under-20 junior hockey league in Sweden. Having played so well, Kopitar saw action in five games in the SEL at the young age of 17. Kopitar really began to open eyes when he represented Slovenia in the 2005 World Juniors tournament where he scored 10 goals and 13 points in five games.

2005-06: After signing a three year entry-level contract with the Kings, Kopitar responded by playing remarkably well in training camp against seasoned veterans before being returned to the SEL due to contractual obligations. While in Sweden, Kopitar scored more points (20) than any other player in his age level except for top 2006 draft pick Nicklas Backstrom (Was).

Talent Analysis

Kopitar has great size and is a solid skater but he lacks top-notch foot-speed. Is agile with great natural skills and a dominant offensive player. He sees the ice very well and is a tremendous playmaker who can control the tempo of the game. Very soft hands and a dangerous player in one-on-one situations, he creates space for himself and his teammates. He is poised with the puck with a great wrist shot that is hard and accurate. Has the ability to run the power play with ease. Uses his size well and is a strong player but has to work on his defensive zone coverage.

Future

It has been stated that had Kopitar not been contractually obligated to return to his SEL squad, he would have found a regular shift on the third line for the Kings last season. Now that Kopitar has made his move to North America official, Kopitar is expected to find ample playing time on the second line for the Kings by the end of the 2006-07 season and eventually ascend to the first line center position upon the expiration of Craig Conroy’s contract.