Kopitar the King and Byfield the successor

LOS ANGELES — NHL Faceoff gives fans an inside look at their favorite players as they journeyed through the 2024-25 season with behind the scenes interviews, analysis and mic’ed up moments before and after games. It’s a window into the minds and lives of the world’s best hockey players and what it takes to play and win.

Episode three is titled “Immortals,” though that description doesn’t cover the half of the living legends of the game it featured. Following Anže Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins as each approaches the twilights of their careers, fans can see the weight of legacy and the reflection on the careers behind them as they strive to go out on top.

For Kopitar and the Kings, the episode takes a look at the journey the longtime captain of Los Angeles has undertaken and what he’s looking to leave behind when he finally departs from his hockey club of 20 years. Kopitar will retire at the end of the 2025-26 season and Faceoff takes a look at the legendary past of the Kings and the future of the team in Quinton Byfield, all converging in the present. 

Jessica Cryderman – The Sporting Tribune

Los Angeles Kings Center, Anze Kopitar, 11, fighting through defense during an NHL hockey game against the Bruins on March 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

Kopitar and Crosby came into the league together, drafted in the same year and represented by the same agent, Pat Brisson. Since that fateful day, the two centers have become the faces of their respective teams and and multiple-time Stanley Cup champions. 

While Crosby is reckoning with playing on a struggling Penguins team at the tail end of his career, Kopitar is looking forward. Playing in Los Angeles for two decades makes you a bonafide Hollywood star yourself. 

While showing clips and interviews from the 2024 Skate for LA Strong fundraiser for first responders to the devastating Palisades Fire, there was a firsthand look at how legendary Kopitar has become, even in the eyes of other famous figures in Hollywood. Actors like Steve Carrell and Will Ferrel melted in Kopitar’s presence while the quiet Slovenian center took everything in stride, like he’s seen it all before.

“He is the heart and soul of the team… I don’t know if he gets enough credit for the durability of playing that long. And, he’s still operating on such a high level,” Ferrell said. 

It’s Family First for Kopitar

Kopitar’s eyes are still on the ice as he and the Kings fight for another Cup, but his eyes are on his family as well. He made it clear in the announcement of his retirement that his family is on his mind and with such a stellar career mostly behind him, he can look forward to a life fully with them, contented.

Henry Tran – The Sporting Tribune

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) stares at an opponent after a shot on goal during game against Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Los Angeles.

“All I want is for my little two is just to have fun. They’re enjoying hockey and figure skating. I hope they do it and keep enjoying it and having fun,” Kopitar said.

Kopitar has been the face of the Kings for as long as many hockey fans can remember. His departure will no doubt create void in Crytpto.com Arena, though it’s one he’s looking forward to being filled by the next generation of Los Angeles hockey stars, something he sees in Byfield. 

“There’s no secret that my time will come eventually and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Quinton,” Kopitar said. “I see him as a future leader and a future staple of this organization.”

Byfield’s transition to the NHL wasn’t a smooth one, but coming up under the tutelage of Kopitar has helped him grow into the kind of player that can take on the mantle. Now, Byfield is a regular contributor on the ice five seasons into his career. He was fourth on the Kings last season in goals, assists and total points and is coming into his own. As Byfield continues to grow, he does so with Kopitar encouraging him along the way. 

Darwin Walker – The Sporting Tribune

Los Angeles Kings RW (55) Quinton Byfield takes a shot on goal against the Edmonton Oilers on April 5, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

“Guys like Kopitar feel indebted to their organization,” Paul Bissonnette, former NHL player ands current analyst, said. “So, probably one of the last things on his list would be passing the torch to someone like Quinton Byfield and hoping that Quinton one day reaches his level of play as well.”

Byfield is primed to continue growing and taking up the mantle as a leader of the team. At just 23-years-old, the 2020 second-overall pick has grow strong with the mentorship of a player he grew up watching in Kopitar.

“Just coming in, each game I was a little nervous, didn’t know to do and he was someone I looked up to,” Byfield said. “He was always telling me, “make your plays and I’ll get open.’ That meant a lot for me. It… allowed me to come into myself be more comfortable with my game and play a lot better.”

While one legendary career approaches it’s end, another one may be gearing up in Los Angeles. Byfield is primed to be the next franchise player of the Kings, and he’s growing every day while his mentor stays beside him.

“Growing up, I slowly kept building, kept working, kept trying to be a better player. I think that’s what I want to keep doing in the NHL as well,” Byfield said. “With the guidance of Kopi, it was a big building step for me this year and I just want to continue with that growth and be more of a pro.”