News Summary
Anze Kopitar, the long-time captain of the Los Angeles Kings, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the NHL season. With a 20-year legacy, two Stanley Cups, and numerous accolades, Kopitar has dedicated his career to the Kings. As he looks forward to retirement, he plans to spend more time with family and pursue his passion for golf, marking the end of an era in Los Angeles hockey.
Los Angeles – Anze Kopitar, the long-time captain of the Los Angeles Kings, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2025-26 NHL season. The announcement came during a news conference that followed the team’s first practice of training camp, marking a significant moment for both Kopitar and the franchise he has represented since his debut.
At 38 years old, Kopitar has dedicated his entire 20-year NHL career to the Kings, having joined the team in October 2006. His legacy includes winning two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, earning a reputation as one of the league’s premier players. Throughout his career, he has been recognized five times as an NHL All-Star and has received the prestigious Selke Trophy twice for being the best defensive forward in the league. Additionally, Kopitar has been awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship on three occasions.
In reflecting on his career, Kopitar expressed a deep sense of pride in his rare achievement of playing for just one team throughout his career. He highlighted the strong bonds he has formed in Los Angeles and the joy of winning the Stanley Cup, emphasizing that these milestones will forever hold a special place in his heart.
With a career points total of 1,278, Kopitar ranks 40th in NHL history. Furthermore, he holds the title of the Kings’ franchise leader in games played, amassing a remarkable total of 1,454 games. He has also served as the leading scorer for the team in 15 of his first 19 seasons, demonstrating his consistent offensive prowess throughout his time in the NHL.
As he approaches retirement, Kopitar is looking forward to spending more time with his family. He has plans to move back to Slovenia, where he has a daughter interested in figure skating and a son who plays hockey. Kopitar expressed enthusiasm about supporting their endeavors, emphasizing the importance of family in this new chapter of his life.
Despite his retirement announcement, Kopitar remains fully committed to the upcoming season. He recorded an impressive 67 points last season, consisting of 21 goals and 46 assists, showcasing that he is still playing at a high level. He aims to avoid becoming a distraction to the team and intends to focus wholly on contributing to the Kings as they embark on another season.
Interestingly, Kopitar’s announcement coincided with Clayton Kershaw’s retirement from the Dodgers, leading to shared laughter between the two sports icons over the timing of their announcements. Such moments further illustrate the deep connections Kopitar has built over his lengthy career in Los Angeles.
Kopitar has also developed golf into a significant hobby, enjoying the ability to play at renowned courses in the area, including Riviera, Bel-Air, and Sherwood. His upcoming retirement will allow him more opportunities to engage in these pastimes, particularly those golfing invitations he has received over the years.
As Anze Kopitar prepares to conclude his illustrious career with the Kings, his impact on the franchise and the city of Los Angeles remains undeniable. The commitments he has made to his family, the game of hockey, and the community have solidified his legacy as one of the greats in the sport.
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Additional Resources
- Golf Digest: Anze Kopitar The Loop Podcast
- Wikipedia: Anze Kopitar
- CBS News: Anze Kopitar’s Retirement Announcement
- Google Search: Anze Kopitar
- ESPN: Anze Kopitar Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anze Kopitar
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
