The Kings left the beaten path when they chose Anze Kopitar early in the 2005 NHL entry draft, veering off the Trans-Canada highway to select a center who was born in Slovenia, had moved to Sweden to find better competition, and was blessed with instincts that transcend the boundaries of country or language.
“We’re looking at a potential home run to have Anze Kopitar fall to 11,” then-general manager Dave Taylor said that day. “He’s a big kid with unbelievable hands and skill.”
Team executives always say things like that. In Kopitar’s case, it proved to be true.