Anze Kopitar announced Thursday he’ll retire after the 2025-26 season, ending a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings captain helped the franchise win Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. He’s played more games than any other player in team history at 1,454.
Kopitar ranks second in Kings history with 1,278 points. He’s just 29 points behind Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne for the franchise record.
The 38-year-old enters his final season ranking 40th on the NHL’s all-time points list and 29th in assists.
Kopitar didn’t win the Conn Smythe Trophy in either championship run. But he led the playoffs in scoring both years.
He notched 20 points in 20 games during the 2012 playoffs. Two years later, he recorded 26 points in 26 postseason games.
Overall, he’s tallied 89 points in 103 playoff appearances.
Dustin Brown served as captain during both Stanley Cup wins. But Kopitar’s leadership was clear to teammates and coaches.
The Kings named Kopitar captain before the 2016-17 season.
Awards and Recognition
Kopitar has won two Selke Trophies as the league’s best defensive forward. He’s also claimed three Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship and a Mark Messier Leadership Award.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound center was a Hart Trophy finalist in 2017-18. That season, he set career highs with 35 goals and 92 points.
He’s finished in the top 10 of Selke voting 12 times.
The Kings selected Kopitar 11th overall in the 2005 draft. Only Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Patrick Kane have scored more points since the salary cap era began.
Kopitar is one of just three NHL players ever from Slovenia. He’s also been remarkably durable, never missing more than 12 games in any season.
His blend of size and skill made him one of the best two-way forwards of his generation.
