The ice will feel a little emptier, the leadership void undeniably vast. Anze Kopitar, the venerable captain of the Los Angeles Kings and an icon etched into the very fabric of the franchise, has announced his intention to retire following the 2025-26 NHL season. This declaration marks the impending conclusion of a remarkable 20-year career, an astonishing journey spent entirely in the silver and black of the Kings.
At 38 years old, Kopitar chose Thursday, following the inaugural practice of training camp, to share this significant personal and professional decision. Flanked by his family at a news conference in El Segundo, California, the Slovenian center conveyed a clear message: “My mind is made up. It was a hard decision, and I will put 100% of my energy into this season. I know I’m going to give it all and leave the game with a positive mindset.”
A One-Team Man in a Shifting Landscape
In an era where player movement is as common as a line change, Anze Kopitar stands as a testament to unwavering loyalty. From his NHL debut as a teenager in October 2006, he has known no other professional home than Los Angeles. This rare feat, a lengthy career dedicated to a single franchise, speaks volumes about his character and the bond he forged with the Kings organization and its fanbase.
“For me, I always looked at LA as my team, as my home,” Kopitar stated. “We always felt extremely comfortable here, so it didn’t really cross my mind to even think or explore to go anywhere else.”
It`s a declaration that carries weight, particularly from a player who brought two Stanley Cups to a city previously devoid of hockey`s ultimate prize. Those unforgettable championships in 2012 and 2014 weren`t just victories; they were a cultural shift, cementing the Kings` place in the Los Angeles sports pantheon, largely thanks to Kopitar`s pivotal role.
A Legacy Etched in Silver and Black
Kopitar`s impact extends far beyond mere presence. He is the **second-leading scorer in Kings history**, steadily closing in on Marcel Dionne’s franchise record, with just 29 points separating them. He already holds the franchise record for **games played with 1,454**, a staggering display of durability and commitment. Consistently leading his team, he was the Kings` top scorer in an incredible 15 of his first 19 seasons.
Beyond offensive production, Kopitar’s game was defined by its completeness. A **five-time NHL All-Star**, he earned the prestigious **Selke Trophy twice** as the league’s best defensive forward, a testament to his unparalleled two-way play. His sportsmanship was equally recognized, securing the **Lady Byng Trophy three times**. These accolades paint the picture of a player who excelled in all facets of the game, a true 200-foot threat and a model professional, serving as captain since 2016.
The Personal and the Pragmatic: Why Now?
Even for an elite athlete still performing at a high level—evidenced by his 21 goals and 46 assists last season—life off the ice begins to call. Kopitar revealed his desire for more time with his wife and their soon-to-be-teenage children. His family plans to relocate back to Slovenia, where he intends to be a more present father:
“We have a figure skater and a hockey player on our hands, so I want to be present for them, to be at their competitions and their games.”
Perhaps with a touch of professional irony, Kopitar also cited the team`s well-being as a driver for his early announcement. He articulated a pragmatic decision to avoid becoming a “distraction” during a crucial playoff push:
“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. For example, if we’re in a (playoff) fight coming down the stretch, the last thing I want to do is take any attention away from the team and put it on myself. I just felt this is the best time.”
This insight underscores his commitment to the Kings until the very end, prioritizing team success even as he prepares for his departure.
A Final Act and a Shared Sunset
Despite the impending farewell, Kopitar`s motivation remains undimmed. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, believing the Kings, with recent additions by General Manager Ken Holland, are “a better team than we were last year.” The team, having made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons (though falling to Edmonton each time), clearly has high hopes for a deeper run in Kopitar`s swan song.
In a curious coincidence, Kopitar`s retirement announcement landed on the very same day that Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw also declared his lengthy career would conclude this season. “Must have been something in the universe for us to decide to do it on the same day,” a laughing Kopitar remarked of his friend. Indeed, perhaps the universe simply decided that September 18, 2025, would be a day for two L.A. titans to begin their graceful exit from the sporting stage.
As Anze Kopitar prepares for his final chapter, fans will undoubtedly savor every shift, every goal, and every display of his signature two-way brilliance. His departure will mark the end of an extraordinary era for the Los Angeles Kings, but his legacy—of loyalty, leadership, and Stanley Cup glory—will resonate for generations to come.