EDMONTON -- Leon Draisaitl has always admired Anze Kopitar and his complete game.

It’s a reason the Edmonton Oilers center wants to continue to develop his defensive side this season, which will be the last playing against the Los Angeles Kings captain.

“'Kopi' was always my idol growing up, one of two guys I really looked up to,” Draisaitl said Friday. “I’ve learned so much from playing against him, from watching him. I had the privilege of playing with him at the World Cup in 2016, and he kind of took me under his wing and we’ve had a close friendship ever since.”

Kopitar announced Thursday he will retire at the end of the season, his 20th, all with the Kings. Draisaitl said he reached out to congratulate Kopitar.

“First of all, an amazing career, truly one of the best to do it,

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