Anze Kopitar, the captain of the Los Angeles Kings, has announced that he will be retiring after this season, which marks his impressive 20th year in the NHL. The 38-year-old veteran, who played a key role in leading the Kings to Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, made the announcement on Thursday. Kopitar, known for his exceptional two-way play as a center, signed a two-year contract extension in July 2023 with the Kings, where he has spent his entire career.
A highly respected player in the league, Kopitar has earned accolades such as two Selke Trophies in 2016 and 2018 for his defensive prowess, as well as three Lady Byng Trophies for his sportsmanlike conduct in 2016, 2023, and 2025. The decision to retire at this point in his career was made to allow Kopitar to focus entirely on the upcoming season with the Kings, who are aiming for another shot at the Stanley Cup. Despite their recent playoff struggles, the team has made significant additions in the offseason to bolster their roster under new general manager Ken Holland.
Kopitar’s legacy with the Kings is undeniable, as he holds records for most games played (1,454) and most assists (838) in franchise history. He is also on the verge of tying Marcel Dionne’s record for most points (1,307) as the team’s all-time leading scorer. Additionally, Kopitar is just two goals away from matching Jeff Carter’s record of most overtime goals (11) in team history. The Slovenian native, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL draft, became the first player from Slovenia to make his mark in the league when he debuted in 2006-07. Despite his national hero status in Slovenia, Kopitar will not be representing his country in the 2026 Milan Olympics, as Slovenia failed to qualify for the tournament.
