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Kings' Anze Kopitar to Retire After 20 Seasons

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings will retire after the 2025-26 season, ending a 20-year career.
He is the Kings’ franchise leader in games played and second in points, behind Marcel Dionne.
Potential captains after Kopitar include Adrian Kempe, Drew Doughty, and Mikey Anderson.
Corey Perry, a recent free-agent signing, will miss 6-8 weeks with a significant injury.

History

Historical Context

The Los Angeles Kings joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1967, later winning their first Stanley Cup in 2012. Anze Kopitar, drafted in 2005, became the franchise leader with 1,295 games played and 1,188 points, second only to Marcel Dionne. His retirement marks a significant transition for the Kings, as younger players like Adrian Kempe and Drew Doughty prepare to take on leadership roles.

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Story summary

Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings will retire after the 2025-26 season, ending a 20-year career.
He is the Kings’ franchise leader in games played and second in points, behind Marcel Dionne.
Potential captains after Kopitar include Adrian Kempe, Drew Doughty, and Mikey Anderson.
Corey Perry, a recent free-agent signing, will miss 6-8 weeks with a significant injury.

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