Anze Kopitar has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 season.
As the captain of the Kings, this marks the conclusion of his 20-year career, during which he collected two Stanley Cups, three Lady Byng Trophies, and two Selke Trophies.
Kopitar shared this decision during a press conference after the Kings completed their first day of training camp.
His retirement comes a year after the Kings faced a disappointing exit in the playoffs, losing 6-4 to the Oilers.
The 28-year-old Slovenian player mentioned wanting to spend more time with his family as one of the main reasons for stepping away.
“They deserve a dad who’s present for them, especially as they enter those teenage years,” he remarked, indicating how quickly kids grow up. “I want to be there for them as much as I can.”
He noted that he didn’t want to be a distraction for the team, particularly if they were in a tight race towards the end of the season.
Interestingly, Kopitar made this announcement shortly after Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw indicated he would also retire at the end of this MLB season.
Kopitar light-heartedly acknowledged Kershaw’s timing, joking with the media about how the big news cycle was already shifting.
Having played in nearly 1,500 NHL games, Kopitar was drafted 11th overall by Los Angeles in the 2005 NHL Draft. His career is likely to earn him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
He was integral to the Kings’ championship victories in 2012 and 2014, beating teams like the Devils and Rangers in the process.
Kopitar stands as the franchise’s leader in points, assists, and game-winning goals, quietly dominating the record books.
