NHL star Anze Kopitar, captain of the LA Kings, has announced his intention to retire after his 20th season with the team.
In a surprising turn of events, Anze Kopitar, the long-standing captain of the Los Angeles Kings, has announced his retirement from professional hockey after the upcoming NHL season. Kopitar, who has spent his entire career with the Kings since making his NHL debut as a teenager in October 2006, has been a cornerstone of the team for over 15 seasons.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kopitar has amassed an impressive array of achievements. He is the record holder for the most games played in Kings franchise history with 1,454 games under his belt. Kopitar's career points of 1,278 rank 40th in NHL history, and he is the second-leading scorer in Kings history, 29 points behind Marcel Dionne, the franchise's all-time leading scorer.
Kopitar's accolades extend beyond his statistical achievements. He is a five-time NHL All-Star, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, and a three-time Lady Byng Trophy winner. These awards recognize his exceptional play on the ice, his defensive prowess, and his sportsmanship. Kopitar was also a key player on both of the Kings' Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2012 and 2014.
In his retirement announcement, Kopitar expressed pride in his long career with one team and stated that he wants to spend more time with his wife and soon-to-be-teenage children. His children, a figure skater and a hockey player, have likely been a significant factor in his decision to retire. Kopitar also mentioned his plans to move his family back to Slovenia after his retirement.
The Kings' roster will return most of the core from the team that tied two franchise records last season with 48 wins and 105 points. However, the team has faced challenges in the playoffs, losing in the first round each time in the past four consecutive seasons. The Kings' new general manager, Rob Blake, who succeeded Ken Holland, has made several additions to the roster in an effort to improve the team's playoff performance.
Clayton Kershaw, a left-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, also announced his retirement for the upcoming season. Kopitar's retirement leaves a significant void in the sports landscape of Los Angeles, as two of the city's most iconic athletes are stepping away from their respective sports.
As Kopitar prepares for his final season with the Kings, fans will undoubtedly be eager to celebrate his remarkable career and the impact he has had on the team. Kopitar's retirement is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership, and he will undoubtedly be missed by fans and teammates alike.
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