Anze Kopitar retires after 20-year NHL career as Kings eliminated by Avalanche

15 articles · Updated · ESPN · Apr 26

The 38-year-old center played his final game as the Los Angeles Kings lost 5-1 to the Colorado Avalanche, completing a first-round playoff sweep in Los Angeles.
Kopitar, the Kings' all-time leader in assists, points, and games played, received emotional tributes from fans and players during his farewell at Crypto.com Arena.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion and five-time All-Star, Kopitar retires as the first Slovenian in NHL history, ending an era for the Kings after announcing his retirement before the season.

Can the Avalanche finally capitalize on their dominance to win the Stanley Cup, or will past playoff disappointments resurface?

Will goaltender Scott Wedgewood’s stellar playoff debut hold up against tougher opponents like Dallas or Minnesota?

What impact will the Kings’ fifth straight first-round exit have on fan support and the franchise’s direction?

Who emerges as the new face and captain of the Kings in the post-Kopitar era?

Could the Avalanche’s roster-building strategy become the new blueprint for NHL contenders, or is their success unique?

How will Anze Kopitar’s retirement reshape the Kings’ leadership and identity, both on and off the ice?