Fansided

One player from each NHL team who should be on the NHL 18 cover

By David Rouben

Nov 2, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) prepares to throw pucks to the crowd after the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) prepares to throw pucks to the crowd after the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) looks on during the first period against Vancouver Canucks at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) looks on during the first period against Vancouver Canucks at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar

Now in his 11th NHL season, Anze Kopitar remains one of the best two-way players in the game. Save for his rookie season, he has led the Kings in scoring every year. And after being nominated for the Selke twice, he won it last year.

Even though he was just appointed captain this offseason, he has always been a leader for this team. The Kings are a balanced offensive unit with scoring threats on every line. On the top line, Marian Gaborik usually finishes the scoring chances while Kopitar and Dwight King help shut down the opposition’s top offensive threats.

And internationally, his individual brilliance is on display when he’s consistently carrying Slovenia and getting them farther than anyone expects. You had to think he was thrilled to get some help during the World Cup when he played alongside some of the best players in Europe. Nevertheless, Kopitar was still the one who stood out, and propelled them to their second place finish.

Having just been named captain while signing a big contract extension, this has the potential to be Kopitar’s best season yet. You’d also think that nobody’s more pissed off at how last season ended than him, meaning he will play every game with a purpose.

There’s hardly a moment when Kopitar isn’t influencing the game, even if it’s not on the scoresheet. He remains one of the hardest workers in the league.

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