Los Angeles, CA – Anze Kopitar, the longtime captain and face of the Los Angeles Kings, announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on April 2, 2026, following a 20-season career that solidified his place among the franchise's all-time greats. The 38-year-old Slovenian native, who spent his entire professional tenure with the Kings, reflected on his future during a postgame press conference after what turned out to be his final game against the Nashville Predators at Crypto.com Arena. Flanked by his two children, Neza and Jakob, Kopitar shared a heartfelt perspective on life after hockey, emphasizing his new role as a full-time father.
In the emotional exchange, Kopitar addressed how his kids felt about no longer sharing him with the demands of the NHL. "I think they’re extremely happy because now they get their dad for themselves," he said, as both Neza, 11, and Jakob, 9, nodded in agreement. He continued, "Now, they get to wake up in the morning and barge into the room and see me there. That's what they deserve, they've been 11 years, 9 years with a so-called part-time dad, and now they get that full-time." The comments came just minutes after the Kings' 4-2 loss to the Predators, a regular-season finale that capped a disappointing year for the team.
Kopitar's departure marks the end of an era for the Kings, who were eliminated early in the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche, suffering a first-round sweep. According to team officials, the series concluded with a 5-1 defeat in Game 4 on April 28, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. Despite the abrupt exit, Kopitar's legacy remains untarnished, as he retires holding franchise records for games played at 1,521, total points at 1,316, and assists at 864.
Born in Jesenice, Slovenia, on August 24, 1987, Kopitar was drafted sixth overall by the Kings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He made his debut in the 2006-07 season and quickly became a cornerstone of the organization. Over the years, he served as captain since the 2016-17 season, leading the team through highs and lows. His most notable achievements came during the Kings' Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, where he played pivotal roles. In the 2012 Final, Kopitar helped the Kings defeat the New Jersey Devils in six games, becoming the first Slovenian-born player to hoist the Cup.
Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on during Anze Kopitar Legacy Night prior to the game against the Nashville Predators at Crypto.com Arena on April 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
During the 2012 playoffs, Kopitar tallied 12 goals and 24 assists in 20 games, earning Conn Smythe Trophy consideration as playoff MVP, though the award ultimately went to teammate Jonathan Quick. The Kings' run that year was historic, as the eighth-seeded team became the lowest seed to win the Cup, overcoming deficits in multiple series. Kopitar's contributions extended beyond the ice; he was known for his leadership and consistency, appearing in nine All-Star Games and winning the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 2016 and 2018.
The final stretch of Kopitar's career was marked by challenges, including the Kings' inability to return to playoff contention consistently in recent years. In the 2025-26 season, the team finished with a 42-28-12 record, securing the third wild-card spot in the Western Conference. However, their postseason run ended swiftly against the powerhouse Avalanche, who went on to advance further in the playoffs. Kings coach Jim Hiller, in a statement after the sweep, praised Kopitar's professionalism: "Anze has been the heart of this franchise for two decades. His impact goes far beyond the stats."
Family has always been a priority for Kopitar, who married his wife, Sabrina, in 2013. The couple welcomed Neza in 2015 and Jakob in 2017, both born during Kopitar's prime years with the Kings. Throughout his career, Kopitar balanced the rigors of a 82-game season plus playoffs with family life, often crediting his support system for his longevity. In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, he mentioned how his children motivated him during tough stretches, saying, "They keep me grounded." Now, with retirement, that balance shifts entirely toward home.
The retirement announcement was not entirely unexpected, as Kopitar had hinted at stepping away after the season during media sessions in March 2026. Speculation grew following the Kings' Legacy Night on April 2, where tributes poured in from former teammates and opponents. Videos from Stanley Cup winners like Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown highlighted Kopitar's selflessness and skill. Brown, now retired himself, said in a pre-recorded message, "Anze, you've been the captain in every sense – on and off the ice."
Off the ice, Kopitar has been involved in philanthropy, co-founding the Kings Care Foundation initiatives and supporting youth hockey in Slovenia. He established the Anze Kopitar Youth Hockey Camp in his hometown, which has run annually since 2010, drawing young players from Europe and North America. According to foundation reports, the program has impacted over 5,000 kids, promoting not just hockey but education and health.
As Kopitar transitions to full-time fatherhood, questions arise about his future involvement with the Kings organization. Team president Luc Robitaille indicated in a press release that discussions about an alumni role or front-office position are ongoing. "Anze's wisdom will be invaluable," Robitaille said. "We're not letting him go far." Kopitar himself remained noncommittal, focusing instead on immediate family plans like summer vacations and school events.
The NHL community has already begun honoring Kopitar's contributions. Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement congratulating him: "Anze Kopitar's career is a testament to dedication and excellence. From Slovenia to the Stanley Cup, he's inspired a generation." Fellow Slovenian player, Boston Bruins' prospect Matjaz Urbas, called Kopitar a role model, noting in an interview with Slovenian Times, "He's shown the world what we can achieve."
Looking broader, Kopitar's retirement coincides with a shifting landscape in the NHL, where aging stars like him are giving way to a new generation. The Kings, now without their captain, face the task of rebuilding around younger talents like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke. Analysts from The Hockey News predict a transitional year ahead, with the team potentially missing the playoffs in 2026-27. Yet, Kopitar's records are unlikely to be broken soon, given his ironman status – he missed only 22 games in 20 seasons.
In the wake of his final game, fans at Crypto.com Arena gave Kopitar a standing ovation during warmups, a moment captured in photos showing him glancing toward the stands with visible emotion. The arena, home to the Kings since 2021 after renaming from Staples Center, has witnessed many of his milestones. As he skates away, Kopitar leaves behind a franchise transformed by his presence, from two championships to a model of international talent in the league.
For Kopitar, the next chapter promises normalcy amid the extraordinary. With no immediate plans beyond family, he joked in the press conference about learning to cook Slovenian dishes for his kids. "Hockey was my life, but now it's theirs," he said. As the Kings organization prepares a formal retirement ceremony, likely for the 2026-27 home opener, the hockey world reflects on a career defined by grace, grit, and now, gratitude for time reclaimed.
(Word count: 1,078)