Kings Captain Anže Kopitar Announces Retirement After 20th NHL Season

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Anže Kopitar, captain of the Los Angeles Kings, announced Thursday that he will retire after the current NHL season, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year career.

Kopitar, who turned 38 last month, revealed his decision during a news conference at the Kings’ practice facility. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a key factor in his choice. “These guys sitting here with me have been with me,” he said, referring to his wife, Ines, and their two children. “I want to be as present as I can be for the moments leading up, especially for these guys. They soon will be teenagers, and I want to be around for them.”

The two-way center has had an illustrious career with the Kings, leading the team to Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. He is widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in the league, having won the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward twice and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship three times.

Kopitar holds several franchise records, including games played (1,454) and assists (838), and is second in total points, trailing only Marcel Dionne. He is 29 points away from surpassing Dionne to become the Kings’ all-time leading scorer.

This season, he is expected to play an important role as the Kings aim for a deep playoff run. “I still have a lot of motivation,” Kopitar said. “I have a lot of energy, a lot of desire to compete at the very highest level.”

The Kings have not won a playoff series since their last championship in 2014 and have lost in the first round for the past four seasons. However, they made several significant roster changes this summer under new general manager Ken Holland to improve their chances for success.

Kopitar’s legacy includes not just his on-ice accomplishments but also his leadership off it. As the face of the franchise, he has been a mentor to younger players, including Alex Laferriere, who praised Kopitar as an “unbelievable player” and an “unbelievable guy.”

The Kings kickoff their season against the Colorado Avalanche on October 7, and supporters hope to see them contend for the championship in Kopitar’s final campaign.