Anze Kopitar retires from NHL after 20 seasons with Los Angeles Kings

14 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 28

Kopitar, 38, announced his retirement after the Kings were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2026 NHL playoffs.
He leaves as the franchise leader in games played (1,521), points (1,316), and assists (864), and will now focus on being a full-time dad to his two children.
Kopitar, the first Slovenian-born player to win the Stanley Cup, was instrumental in the Kings' championship runs, cementing his legacy as one of the team's all-time greats.

How will Kopitar adjust to life as a 'full-time dad' after 20 years in the NHL spotlight?

Who will the Kings name as their next captain to fill the void left by Kopitar?

Is Anze Kopitar's two-way legacy enough for a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction?

After five straight first-round exits, did the Kings fail their captain in his final seasons?

With Kopitar's contract gone, what is the Kings' first move to rebuild into a contender?

How did an interim coach lead the Kings on an improbable playoff run for Kopitar's farewell season?