It’s often been said (and written) that one of the truly great things about hockey are the people. And in moments like today, it’s never more evident. Following Anze Kopitar announcing 2025-26 would be his final lap around the NHL, we began reaching out to people for comments about his legendary career in Los Angeles. It seems everybody has time to talk about Kopitar, and there were two people that deserve a callout for agreeing to chat right away — former teammate Tyler Toffoli (who we’ll get to next) and Darryl Sutter.
Much like his time behind the Kings bench, you just never know what you’re going to get from Canada’s favorite farmer. Tonight was no different. He began our call by letting me know he was literally taking a break from harvest season to have our little chat. And, if you know anything about Sutter, of course he was!
Even so, it was much appreciated. All these years later, I’m still thankful that there’s enough respect saved up from his time here that he’d care enough to pause his current responsibilities long enough to call me back.
“Anytime you get to talk about Kopi, it’s awesome,” Sutter began, followed by a hearty laugh.
“When you think about Kopi, you never think about him not playing again because his game hasn’t changed,” the two-time Stanley Cup winning coach stated. “He just plays the same way, over and over. If you look at everything else about Kopi, he’s just an awesome family guy. Look at what he’s given up, even just to come to America and be such a great player and a great ambassador for the game. He’s a great leader, everything! Think about it — if you want to check boxes on Kopitar, just do it. Family man, father, team player, captain; every box you can think of for a great player, you can check it off on Kopi.”
As Sutter arrived in LA just before Christmas 2011, Kopitar had already been in the league for five years. What the grizzled hockey man from Alberta thought he knew about his big center may have been true, yet there was still a whole lot more to come, as Sutter quickly found out.
“Because you’ve coached against him, or managed against him, for a long time, you just think he’s a great young player,” explained Sutter. “That’s what you see, when you think about his [skill set] – size, speed, smarts, plays the game the right way. All those things, that’s how you’ve seen him. But then you get to know him as a person, and you go, ‘Wow! There’s a reason he’s a great player.’ It’s not just because of the way he carries himself, but the way he handles life is incredible. I was fortunate to coach him. In some ways, it’s disappointing to hear [this will be his last season]. At the same time, you know what, what else is there for him to achieve, other than to try to win [the Stanley Cup] again in his last year? He’s won major awards, he’s won championships, he’s taken care of his family. Not just his married family, but his whole family. It’s incredible when you actually get to see the type of person he is.”
Even currently, when Sutter watches Kopitar on the ice, he admits to having pride in what he sees. For a guy who preached family when he was behind the bench, he not only still views Kopitar like one of his own, but he also uses him as a role model for the next generation of hockey hopefuls.
“When I talk to young players, as a team or just individuals, I tell the centermen, ‘If you want to watch somebody in today’s game who is the whole package, just emulate Anze Kopitar and you’re going to be just fine.’ ” Sutter noted.
Easier said than done.
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