Anze Kopitar Announces Retirement From NHL After 20 Seasons
Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, a franchise icon and two-time Stanley Cup champion, confirmed on Thursday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season. This announcement coincides with his recent 38th birthday, marking a significant milestone as he prepares for his final season in the league.
A Legacy with the Kings
Kopitar has spent his entire 20-year career with the Kings, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the team’s history. He was selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft and made history by becoming the first Slovenian to play in the NHL during the 2006-07 season. Known for his exceptional skills as a two-way center, especially on the defensive end, he holds several franchise records, including:
- All-time leader in games played: 1,454
- All-time leader in assists: 838
- He is only 30 points away from surpassing Marcel Dionne as the team’s all-time leading scorer, whose record stands at 1,307 points.
In the previous season, Kopitar ranked second on the Kings with 67 points, logged significant ice time averaging 18:57 per game, and tied for the team lead with seven game-winning goals.
Achievements and Recognition
Kopitar’s contributions to the Kings were pivotal during their Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. His talents have also garnered him respect across the league, earning him the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward twice, in 2016 and 2018. Additionally, he has been recognized with three Lady Byng Trophies for gentlemanly conduct, with two awarded in recent seasons (2023 and 2025).
Impact on His Country and the League
Beyond his impressive statistics, Kopitar has become a national hero in Slovenia, inspiring a generation of hockey players in a country where the sport was relatively underrepresented. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the league and among Kings fans, given his leadership and competitive spirit throughout his career.
Conclusion
As Kopitar embarks on his final NHL season, fans and analysts alike reflect on his immense impact on the sport. His legacy as a player who elevated the Kings franchise and represented Slovenia on a global stage will endure long after his retirement. With one season left, the focus will not only be on his performance but also on the celebration of a remarkable career that has defined an era for the Los Angeles Kings.
