Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar Next NHL Star to Leave, More to Come

The Los Angeles Kings put together a solid group of players last season, and they hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. 

Sadly, due to another NHL lockout, the Los Angeles Kings' chance to defend their title has been put on hold for the time being. 

As fellow NHL athletes make their way overseas, Anze Kopitar will be the next superstar to take his skills elsewhere. 

SportingNews.com has reported that Kopitar will play in Sweden, with second-tier team Mora IK. 

Wait, a second-tier team? That's a bit of a step down from the level of hockey Kopitar has become accustomed to. 

However, when the opportunity to play with your younger brother arises, is there really a better option?

Gasper and Anze Kopitar will surely make sweet music together at a level of hockey where, let's face it, the brothers could look like the best duo since Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. 

Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea. 

Now considering the bigger picture, Kopitar is just one of many stars who are taking their talents to other teams around the world. 

Players who have made the same decision to play elsewhere include Pavel Datsyuk, Ilya Kovalchuk, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Christian Ehrhoff, Joe Thornton and Rick Nash.

That is since the previous CBA expired September 15. 

SportingNews.com also reported that Dustin Brown had received offers from the KHL and Swiss League. 

There goes the captain of the current Stanley Cup champions. Who's next?

If Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos also decide to play elsewhere, it's safe to assume the NHL has officially lost its largest crop of talent. This indicates that the chances of a new CBA saving the current NHL season are low.

So much for being "dedicated to the negotiation process," wouldn't you say Mr. Bettman?  

Look for the rest of the NHL's best to find employment around the world, as the likelihood of an NHL season becomes even cloudier.