.

Kopitar is down, the NHL isn’t. How about these last-minute circumstances.

Anze Kopitar has probably seen the last of Sweden for some time now.

The single-most shuttering danger and risk that ties to sending a player off to another club — be it the Olympics, All-Star Game, and in this case, an NHL lockout — is injury. Kopitar is ‘red-cross’ status as of Saturday, suffering an injury to his right knee early in a contest with Mora IK.

Few specifics were offered about Kopitar’s injury, but a timetable of two to three weeks was estimated for full recovery by his agent Pat Brisson. This is instantly great news, and means there is no structural damage. Kopitar is expected to get a full evaluation in the next couple of days.

Kopitar suffered his injury in a contest against Leksands IF at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden – the same arena in which the Kings opened last year’s season against the New York Rangers. It is believed Kopitar exited mid-way through the first period after an odd ‘tweak’ felt during a play along the boards.

At least he didn’t tear his ankle to shreds, a la March 2011.

Colorado Down

Kudos to The Royal Half on being spot-on regarding the whole “next year” thing.

L.A. so I can play

Fashionably Late: The best thing about Kopitar’s injury is not if he’ll come back this year, but when. And all signs are pointing at a short recess for the Kings’ centerman in order to recover. When he does return to full health, chances are he’ll be playing in a Kings jersey for the affair.

The way recent talks have been going regarding the NHL‘s CBA negotiations, the league could very well be back to business before Kopitar is on the ice again. This means, and it sounds as good as it reads, that I truly believe Anze Kopitar has played his final game in Sweden with Mora IK.

According to solid sources, an opening contest for the Kings, which would include the pregame Stanley Cup ceremony and banner raising, is being slated to be hosted at Staples Center on either January 16th, or January 19th.

If these talks prove to have substance — and the vibes are strong, then Anze Kopitar won’t just be back on home soil for recovery, but for anticipation of his next contest in a Kings uniform.

See you at Staples Center soon.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.

What if I said the season was coming back?

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