Anze Kopitar, the beloved captain of the Los Angeles Kings, announced his retirement after an impressive 20-year career in the NHL. Known for his skill and leadership, he leaves behind a legacy that includes two Stanley Cup victories and a franchise-record 1,521 games played.
Kopitar’s journey began when he was selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. He quickly made his mark on the ice, becoming a key player for the Kings. Over his career, he scored a total of 1,316 points—452 goals and 864 assists—making him one of the most prolific players in franchise history.
His final game came on April 26, 2026, against the Colorado Avalanche. The Kings lost that match 5-1 in Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs, resulting in a disappointing sweep. Despite this ending, Kopitar reflected on his time with gratitude: “It’s been one hell of a ride for 20 years. The good, the bad and the ugly. Not the way we wanted to go out, but it happened, and we got to live with it.”
Throughout his career, Kopitar served as captain since 2016 and was instrumental during championship runs in 2012 and 2014. He played in 107 playoff games for the Kings, scoring an impressive 89 points—27 goals and 62 assists. His leadership extended beyond statistics; teammates like Drew Doughty expressed their admiration: “I’m trying not to think about it right now, but man, he had an unbelievable career.”
As he took to the ice for his last game, it hit him that this could be it: “It hit me with about five, six minutes to go that this could be it,” he shared. Fans and opposing teams honored him throughout his final season with tributes and ovations—a testament to his impact both on and off the ice.
Looking ahead, observers are left pondering how the Kings will fill this significant void on their roster. With Kopitar gone, they face challenges in maintaining their competitive edge in future seasons. Brent Burns noted what Kopitar meant to Los Angeles: “He’s a special guy on and off the ice with what he’s done and what he’s meant to this city.”
Kopitar’s last goal was scored on March 28, just weeks before his retirement announcement in September 2025. His contributions to hockey will resonate for years to come as fans celebrate a player who truly embodied what it means to be a King.
