Two-time Stanley Cup Champion Anže Kopitar Officially Retired from NHL
We’re still not over saying goodbye to Jonathan Quick. Yet, here we are as another legendary Kings player hangs up his skates. Two-time Stanley Cup champion Anže Kopitar has officially retired from the NHL after 1,521 regular-season games played. Kopitar helped Los Angeles rule as Kings over all the realm of hockey, winning titles in 2012 and 2014.
From Jesenice, Slovenia, Anže was selected by the LA Kings 11th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut the following season. When Anže made his NHL debut on October 6, 2006, he became the first Slovenian-born player to ever play in the NHL. Topping off his historic debut with two goals in his first game.
After a 76-point campaign in the 2011-12 regular season, Anže co-led the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs in scoring, along with teammate Dustin Brown, as the Kings captured the club’s first Stanley Cup. Two seasons later, the Kings were kings once again, winning the 2014 Stanley Cup, with Anže once again leading the playoffs in scoring.
The Los Angeles Kings organization took a moment to thank Kopitar for his many years of service. And for leaving it all on the ice for the franchise and its numerous fans. The organization stated,
“No words can ever define what you have meant to the Game, this City, and the Organization. You will always be 1 of 1.
Thank you for everything, Anže!”
Two-time Stanley Cup Champion Anže Kopitar Officially Retired from NHL
The National Hockey League Alumni also had a nice message for Kopitar as he begins his next chapter after announcing his retirement. The Alumni wanted to spotlight some of Anže’s accomplishments and career highlights; and they did an excellent job. They mentioned,
“With a sterling reputation as one of the NHL’s elite two-way forwards, Anže won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward at the 2015-16 NHL awards, and took home the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his combination of sportsmanship and high quality of play that same night.
Anže would become familiar with these two awards, winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy once more in 2017-18, and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on two more occasions in 2022-23 and 2024-25. A respected leader on and off the ice, Anže was the recipient of the 2021-22 Mark Messier Leadership award for his outstanding efforts in the LA Kings community.
Anže was named the Kings’ captain ahead of the 2015-16 season and proudly wore the “C” for his final 10 seasons. Ahead of his 20th season, Anže announced that the 2025-26 season would be his last. A highly respected veteran across the league, Anže was met with special handshake ceremonies from his peers during his final stretch of regular-season contests.
Internationally, Anže proudly represented Slovenia at all levels, highlighted by his nation’s first-ever Olympic appearance in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. Congratulations on your spectacular career, Anže, and welcome to the NHL Alumni Association!”
Well said! Anže retires atop the list of numerous franchise records for the Kings, including games-played (1,521), assists (864), and points (1,316). He will be missed. Congratulations on a stellar career and enjoy every moment of retirement Kopitar!
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