Anze Kopitar Announces Retirement Plans
Anze Kopitar, the legendary center for the Los Angeles Kings, has confirmed his plans to hang up his skates following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season. Kopitar, who has established himself as one of the finest players in the history of the franchise and is on track to become its leading scorer, made this announcement as he prepares to enter his 20th season with the team. At 38 years of age, the decision aligns with his recent comments to KCAL News regarding the possibility of retirement and his intentions for the final year of his contract.
Kings’ General Manager Comments
The Kings’ general manager, Ken Holland, shed light on Kopitar’s mindset during an interview with NHL Network Radio in July, revealing that the captain had no interest in negotiating a contract extension and preferred to take the upcoming season one step at a time.
Significant Contributions to the Kings
Kopitar’s announcement coincided with another notable retirement revelation in Los Angeles, as Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw also declared his plans to retire at the end of the current season.
Widely recognized as Slovenia’s premier hockey player, Kopitar’s contributions to the Kings are monumental. He played a pivotal role in leading the team to its first Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, alongside other key players like Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, and Dustin Brown. With a remarkable tally of 1,278 points accumulated over 1,454 games, he is currently second on the Kings’ all-time scoring list and just 30 points shy of breaking Marcel Dionne’s record of 1,307 points. Furthermore, Kopitar ranks third on the franchise’s goals list with 440 goals, trailing only Luc Robitaille and Dionne, while he holds the franchise record for assists at 838. His accolades include two Selke Trophy wins as the league’s premier defensive forward and three Lady Byng trophies, recognizing his exemplary sportsmanship.
Early Career and Impact
Drafted by the Kings as the 11th overall pick in 2005, Kopitar made an immediate impact during his rookie season in 2006-07, scoring 20 goals and totaling 61 points for a struggling team facing a six-year playoff drought. His outstanding play helped turn the franchise around, culminating in the Kings’ first playoff appearance in 2010 and subsequent championship victory in 2012.
Speaking of his own greatness within the franchise, Kopitar humbly noted, “I find it difficult to label myself the greatest King due to my personality. There have been numerous exceptional players in this organization, and it’s the collective achievements that matter most.”
Looking Ahead
In wake of Kopitar’s retirement announcement, the Kings face a pressing issue regarding the future of Adrian Kempe, their leading scorer over the past two seasons, who is also in the final year of his contract.
The Kings are set to kick off their preseason this Sunday against the Ducks in the Empire Classic at Toyota Arena in Ontario, followed by their regular season opener against the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena on October 7. Stay tuned for further updates on Kopitar’s career decisions and the impact on the team’s future.
