EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — In a moment that will undoubtedly send ripples through the National Hockey League and stir the hearts of Los Angeles Kings faithful, captain Anze Kopitar, a bedrock of the franchise for two decades, has officially declared his intention to retire following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. The announcement, made at a press conference at the Kings` training camp, marks the twilight of an extraordinary career spent entirely in the City of Angels.
A Legacy Forged in Loyalty and Leadership
At 38 years old, Kopitar stands as a testament to durability, skill, and unwavering commitment. His decision, he stated, was “hard-made,” but resolute, focusing his remaining energy on one final, impactful season. Such a declaration, coming at the very start of training camp, is a strategic move characteristic of the man himself: thoughtful, team-first, and designed to prevent any potential distraction from his personal journey overshadowing the team`s ambitions later in the season. One might even call it a final, masterful assist before the puck drops on his farewell tour.
Since his NHL debut in October 2006 as a fresh-faced teenager, the Slovenian center has donned only the black and white of the Kings. In an era where player movement is commonplace, Kopitar`s 20-year tenure with a single franchise is a rare and admirable feat. He didn`t just play for the Kings; he became synonymous with the team, leading them through peaks and valleys, always with a quiet determination that spoke volumes.
Architect of Championships and Individual Excellence
Kopitar`s trophy cabinet is as impressive as his longevity. A five-time NHL All-Star, he earned the Selke Trophy twice as the league`s premier defensive forward, a nod to his exceptional two-way play that often went unsung amidst highlight-reel goals. Three times he received the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship, a testament to his disciplined and respectful approach to the game. These individual accolades merely hint at his profound impact.
Most notably, Kopitar was a central figure, a veritable engine, for both of the Kings` historic Stanley Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2014. He didn`t just participate; he spearheaded, playing pivotal roles in bringing Los Angeles its first-ever hockey championships. These moments, he eloquently noted, are “core memories that you can’t just ignore,” even when the team faced less competitive seasons. Such sentiments underscore a deep, personal connection to the franchise and its history.
Statistical Prowess and the Next Generation
As Kopitar enters his final campaign, his statistical achievements are etched deeply into the Kings` record books. He currently ranks as the second-leading scorer in franchise history, with his 1,278 career points placing him just 29 points shy of the legendary Marcel Dionne. He is already the franchise leader in games played, a remarkable 1,454 appearances, and led the team in scoring in 15 of his 19 seasons. To be a team`s offensive pulse for nearly two decades is not merely impressive; it`s practically a masterclass in consistent elite performance.
Despite still operating at an elite level, as evidenced by his 21 goals and 46 assists last season, Kopitar`s decision is rooted in a desire to shift focus to his family. He plans to return to Slovenia with his wife and soon-to-be-teenage children, eager to be a more present father. “We have a figure skater and a hockey player on our hands,” he remarked, highlighting his wish “to be at their competitions and their games.” It seems even the greatest captains eventually pass the torch to new, aspiring athletes within their own families.
The Road Ahead for the Kings
Kopitar`s announcement injects an intriguing narrative into the upcoming Kings season. General Manager Ken Holland has bolstered the roster, a fact Kopitar acknowledges, believing the team is “better than we were last year.” The Kings have consistently reached the playoffs in recent years but have struggled to advance past the first round against Edmonton. Kopitar`s final season will undoubtedly be charged with emotion and a collective desire to make a deep playoff run as a fitting tribute.
In a curious cosmic alignment, Kopitar`s announcement coincided with Los Angeles Dodgers pitching icon Clayton Kershaw declaring his own lengthy career would conclude this season. “Must have been something in the universe for us to decide to do it on the same day,” a laughing Kopitar quipped. Indeed, Los Angeles will bid farewell to two sporting giants who defined excellence and loyalty across their respective leagues.
Anze Kopitar`s departure marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles Kings. His final season will be a celebration of a career built on leadership, skill, and an unyielding connection to one city and one team. As he skates onto the ice for the last time, he leaves behind not just records, but a blueprint for what it means to be a true captain, a champion, and a King.
