In a moment that marks the impending conclusion of an indelible era, Anze Kopitar, the revered captain of the Los Angeles Kings, has officially declared his intention to retire following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season. This announcement, made with characteristic thoughtfulness, signals the twilight of a remarkable 20-year career spent entirely within the royal purple and gold of Los Angeles.
A Legacy Forged in Loyalty and Stanley Cups
Kopitar`s journey with the Kings began in October 2006, a fresh-faced teenager from Slovenia stepping onto North American ice, unaware he was about to become one of the most significant figures in franchise history. At 38 years old, he stands as a testament to perseverance, skill, and unwavering commitment. His career isn`t just long; it`s a tapestry woven with extraordinary achievements:
- He was the central pillar in the Kings` two miraculous Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, forever etching his name into the annals of Los Angeles sports lore as the player who helped bring the Cup to a city that once thought hockey championships were merely theoretical.
- A five-time NHL All-Star, Kopitar consistently showcased elite talent on hockey`s grandest stages.
- His defensive prowess was unmatched for stretches, earning him the prestigious Selke Trophy twice as the league`s best defensive forward.
- Beyond the grit and skill, his gentlemanly conduct was recognized with three Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship, a rare combination of competitive fire and grace.
- He holds the franchise record for games played (1,454) and is on the cusp of becoming the Kings` all-time leading scorer, currently second only to Marcel Dionne with 1,278 points. He led the team in scoring in an astonishing 15 of his first 19 seasons.
“For me, I always looked at LA as my team, as my home,” Kopitar reflected. “We always felt extremely comfortable here, so it didn’t really cross my mind to even think or explore to go anywhere else.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the rare breed of athlete Kopitar represents in modern professional sports: a true one-team player who resisted the allure of greener pastures, even when “times were a little bit rough.”
The Thoughtful Exit: Family First, Distraction Averted
While still performing at an elite level—evidenced by his 21 goals and 46 assists last season—Kopitar’s decision stems from a deeply personal place: his family. With teenage children who are also pursuing athletic endeavors (a figure skater and a hockey player, no less), he desires to be more present for their formative years and competitions. The impending move back to his native Slovenia underscores this desire for a new chapter.
His announcement, delivered early in the training camp, was a calculated move to protect his team from potential mid-season narratives. “Why announce now? I guess a simple way to put it is I want to get this out of the way now to where I’m not a distraction for the team,” he explained. This foresight, a mark of his captaincy since 2016, ensures that his final season will be focused solely on competition, not farewell tours or speculative headlines. A refreshing change in an era where retirement announcements often feel like a protracted performance.
One Last Ride: A Season of Anticipation
Despite the bittersweet nature of the announcement, Kopitar`s enthusiasm for the upcoming season is palpable. He remains motivated, energized, and ready to compete at the highest level. With new general manager Ken Holland making strategic additions to a roster that boasts a core capable of building on last season`s 48 wins and 105 points, the Kings are poised for a strong showing. After four consecutive playoff appearances ending in first-round exits to Edmonton, there`s a collective hunger for a deeper run, a narrative Kopitar will undoubtedly embody in his final year.
A Celestial Coincidence: Sharing the Sunset with a Dodger Icon
In a quirky twist of fate, Kopitar’s announcement came on the very same day that another Los Angeles sporting titan, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, also declared his impending retirement. Two legends, two decades of dedication, two iconic LA franchises, concluding their chapters in parallel. “Must have been something in the universe for us to decide to do it on the same day,” Kopitar quipped, a touch of humor acknowledging the serendipity.
The Enduring Echo of a Kings Legend
As Anze Kopitar prepares for his final professional season, his legacy is secure. He is more than just statistics and awards; he is the embodiment of a franchise, a leader who elevated his team to unprecedented heights. His departure will leave a significant void, but the memories of his clutch plays, his unwavering presence, and the gleaming Stanley Cups he helped bring to Los Angeles will endure, echoing through the halls of the Crypto.com Arena for generations to come. Hockey fans, both in Los Angeles and across the league, will undoubtedly savor every moment of what promises to be a memorable farewell season for a true King.
