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23h ago

Kings Captain Anze Kopitar to Retire After 2025-26 Season

He announced at training camp to keep attention on a final Stanley Cup push.

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May 1, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar (11) and Edmonton Oilers defensemen Darnell Nurse (25) battle along the boards for a loose puck during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • The 38-year-old enters his 20th NHL season and the final year of a two-year contract signed in 2023, all with the Kings.
  • He made the announcement with his family after the first practice of camp, citing a desire to be more present at home and plans to return to Slovenia.
  • Kopitar leads the franchise in games played (1,454) and assists (838) and is 29 points shy of Marcel Dionne’s team record for career points.
  • Los Angeles added veterans Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin under new general manager Ken Holland to support a championship push.
  • The Kings open the regular season Oct. 7 against the Avalanche as Kopitar begins his farewell campaign with multiple club milestones within reach.