Here’s the latest on Anže Kopitar.
Short answer
- Kopitar has announced he’ll retire after the 2025-26 season, and as of spring 2026 he’s been wraping up a remarkable two-decade career with the Los Angeles Kings. His milestone chase included moving into the Kings’ all-time top scorer conversation and reaching 1,500 regular-season games during his final season, along with continued strong play in 2025-26.[2][3]
Background and current status
- Kopitar debuted in the NHL with the Kings in 2006 and has been a central figure in two Stanley Cup championships (2012, 2014) and multiple individual awards across his career, cementing his status as a franchise icon.[2]
- He announced retirement after the 2025-26 season and played his 1,500th game during that final year, a historic milestone for a player with a long run in Los Angeles.[2]
Recent performances and public reception
- In the 2024-25 season, Kopitar posted 21 goals and 46 assists for 67 points in 81 games, maintaining a high level of two-way play into his final season.[2]
- News outlets in 2026 continued to highlight Kopitar’s emotional connection with Kings fans and his impact on the franchise, including postseason considerations and reflections on his career.[4][9]
What this means for the Kings and fans
- Kopitar’s retirement will mark the end of an era for the Kings, likely prompting a period of reflection on his leadership, consistency, and contributions to franchise records in games played, assists, and points.[9][2]
- The organization and fan base have widely celebrated his two-decade commitment, his role in multiple deep playoff runs, and his influence on Slovenian hockey and the sport globally.[9][2]
Key milestones to know
- First Slovenian to play in the NHL, later becoming a Kings legend and franchise leader in games played and climbing the points chart toward Marcel Dionne’s all-time Kings mark.[2]
- Re-signed to a two-year extension in 2023, signaling continued durability and leadership heading into his final seasons.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent direct headlines from major outlets (ESPN, CBS Sports, The Hockey News) and summarize any post-retirement plans Kopitar might have announced, plus notable reactions from teammates and coaches. I can also offer a quick timeline of Kopitar’s career milestones with dates.
Sources
Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar shared what his emotions were like as his career wound down to its final few minutes on Sunday, and how much the fans meant to him over the past 20 years.
thehockeynews.comFind the latest news about Los Angeles Kings Center Anze Kopitar on ESPN. Check out news, rumors, and game highlights.
www.espn.comGet the latest on Los Angeles Kings C Anze Kopitar including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com
www.cbssports.comView the profile of Los Angeles Kings Center Anze Kopitar on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.comKopitar will bring his career to a close at the end of what will be his 20th season in the NHL
www.cbssports.comAnze Kopitar profile - Анже Копитар Профиль
www.eurohockey.comGet the latest NHL news on Anze Kopitar. Stay up to date with NHL player news, rumors, updates, analysis, social feeds, and more at FOX Sports.
www.foxsports.comLos Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar is retiring at the end of this year. But with the way he's been playing lately, he's not interested in letting his career end without a fight to get into the post-season.
thehockeynews.com