Here’s the latest on Kopitar retirements:
- Anze Kopitar has announced that the 2025-26 season will be his final NHL season, ending a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Kings. The public statements came in September 2025, with Kopitar signaling his intention to retire after this season.[1][2][3]
- He confirmed the plan during training camp and emphasized he wants to avoid being a distraction and to finish his career on a high note. He remains motivated for the upcoming season and the team’s prospects.[2][1]
- As of the 2025-26 season, Kopitar sits among the franchise leaders in games played and points, and he remains one of the Kings’ defining players of this era. His retirement will close a landmark chapter for the franchise.[8][1]
Illustrative note
- Expect ongoing coverage through the 2025-26 season as Kopitar approaches retirement, with potential discussions about his post-playing career and Hall of Fame considerations depending on the season’s outcomes.[3][7]
Citations
- Kopitar retirement announcement and timing[1]
- Confirmation of retirement plan and framing by Kopitar[2]
- Career context and franchise milestones[3][8]
Sources
With just a sliver of the 2025-26 season and Anze Kopitar's NHL career remaining, the Los Angeles Kings captain was asked about his plans for retirement in a recent interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
thehockeynews.comLos Angeles Kings legend Anze Kopitar announced that he will retire at the end of 2025-26, which will be his 20th season in the NHL.
thehockeywriters.comKopitar will bring his career to a close at the end of what will be his 20th season in the NHL
www.cbssports.comCaptain leads franchise in games, assists; won Stanley Cup in 2012, 2014
www.nhl.comLos Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar says he will retire from his 20-year NHL career after the upcoming season.
www.cbsnews.com2-time Stanley Cup champion would then 'maybe think about the end' of NHL career
www.nhl.comThe 20th season of Anze Kopitar's storied career will be his last in the NHL.The Los Angeles Kings captain will retire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, he announced Thursday.Kopitar, 38, helped the Kings capture Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. He ranks first in franchise history in games played (1,454) and second in points (1,278). He sits 29 points behind Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne on the Kings' all-time list.He enters his final season ranking 40th on the NHL's all-time list in points and...
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