NHL's Los Angeles Kings Captain Anze Kopitar Announces Planned Retirement After 2025-26 Season
Anze Kopitar Announces Retirement After 2025-26 Season
Anze Kopitar, the longest-tenured captain in Los Angeles Kings history and a key figure in the team's two Stanley Cup wins, has announced that he will retire from the NHL after the 2025-26 season. The Slovenian centre made the announcement flanked by his wife Ines and children, Neza (10) and Jakob (8).
Kopitar, who has played for the Kings for 20 seasons and is the all-time games-played leader for the team, has been an anchor for L.A.'s only two Stanley Cup wins, in 2012 and 2014. He has signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings, with a cap hit of $7 million.
Kopitar's decision was influenced by his desire to be present for his children as they grow older. He has won two Selke trophies as the league's best defensive forward and was a three-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct. His total career earnings are $137 million, according to PuckPedia.
Jim Hiller will enter his second full season as coach of the Kings, and Drew Doughty remains a stalwart on the team, having played his entire career with Kopitar since 2008. Doughty admits that Kopitar's impending departure has left him a little sad, but they still have time to play together before Kopitar retires.
The Kings' roster is transitioning to a next-generation core led by Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala. Young guns on the rise for the Kings include Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, and Alex Laferriere. The team has also signed Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci as a third defensive pair for the 2025-26 season.
Anze Kopitar is second to Sidney Crosby in points among players drafted in 2005. His retirement leaves a significant void in the team, but his legacy as a great player and a great person will live on in Los Angeles.
In a surprising turn of events, another Los Angeles sports legend, Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, also announced his retirement on the same day as Kopitar. Both athletes have left an indelible mark on their respective sports and will be missed by fans and teammates alike.
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