Kopitar Praises Montreal‘s Allure, reflects on Draft Day Path Not Taken
MONTREAL – Los Angeles KingscaptainAnzeKopitarpubliclyexpressedhisdeepadmirationforMontrealfollowinga5-1victoryovertheCanadiensattheBellCentercallingthecityastandoutdestinationforitshistorycultureandatmosphereKopitar’scommentsmadetoagroupofMontrealjournalistshighlighttheenduringappealofthecityevenashereaffirmedhiscontentmentwithhistwo-decadetenurewiththeKings
The veteran forward’s praise arrives as he embarks on what he acknowledges is likely his final NHL season, prompting reflection on career milestones and “what ifs.” While Kopitar has built a legacy in Los Angeles, including two Stanley Cup championships, he acknowledged the possibility of a different path, one that could have seen him donning the iconic blue-white-red of the Montreal Canadiens.
“For the history, the culture, the atmosphere… it’s tough to do better,” Kopitar argued. “I love everything that comes with Montreal, it’s a great city, a big market. I enjoyed all the matches here.” He recalled both challenging and triumphant games played in Montreal throughout his career.
Kopitar revealed he initially anticipated being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005, but was ultimately selected 11th overall by the Kings, just after Montreal chose Carey Price with the fifth pick. “With the rankings and the projections… I thought I was going to be a Blue Jacket. Obviously, that didn’t happen. But right now, I’m just really happy to have been a King all this time,” he stated.
Now 38, kopitar is focused on savoring his final season. “Sometimes you get carried away with the wins and the points… to the point where you don’t enjoy it,” he explained.”So this year, one of my main objectives is to enjoy each of the matches.” He has 65 regular season games remaining, with the potential for playoff contests, to fully embrace this goal. Kopitar emphasized the priviledge of playing in the NHL, noting many would gladly trade places for even a single game.
