Kopitar to retire after 2025-26 season, ending two-decade Kings run

Anze Kopitar announced Thursday that he will retire after the 2025-26 NHL season, ending a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings captain spoke at a news conference after the team's first day of training camp on Sept. 18, 2025, saying he wanted to be present for his family as his children enter their teenage years.

The decision, Kopitar said, was driven in part by a desire to be home for important moments and milestones. “They deserve a husband and a dad to be home to be present for the moments that are going to be leading up, especially for these guys,” he said. “Why announce now? I just felt that, in a simple way to put it, 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 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 that this is the best time.” His timing also drew a light moment of irony, as Kopitar noted the news came just hours after Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw announced his own retirement.

Kopitar has appeared in 1,454 NHL games — all with the Kings — and has tallied 440 goals and 1,278 points. He is the Kings’ all-time leader in games, assists (838) and game-winning goals (78), and he is 30 points shy of claiming the club record for most points. He has helped the franchise win two Stanley Cups, in 2012 and 2014, and his individual honors include three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies and two Frank J. Selke Trophies.

Drafted 11th overall by Los Angeles in the 2005 NHL Draft, Kopitar’s career has been central to the Kings’ sustained competitiveness over two decades. He helped anchor a team that toppled the Devils and Rangers in its two championship runs, forming the core of one of the franchise’s most successful eras. As he moves toward retirement, Kopitar’s legacy is anchored in durability, leadership and a consistent production that extended well beyond the peak scoring years.

Kopitar’s status as the Kings’ all-time leader in games, assists and game-winning goals reflects a career defined by longevity and reliability. With his on-ice production and off-ice leadership, he leaves a standard for future Kings to chase. While his departure will open a leadership void, the organization will look to preserve his impact through memories of a player who defined an era for Los Angeles. His career achievements — two Stanley Cups, multiple individual awards and a storied association with the franchise — position him among the franchise’s most celebrated figures and stand as a compelling argument for Hall of Fame consideration when the conversation turns to players who defined a generation in Southern California.