Los Angeles Kings Captain Anze Kopitar has spent two decades with defining hockey in southern California but the 38-year-old admits that this season could be his last in the NHL. Note that there will be a time that “that is enough”, he focuses on transition from hockey to a full -time father, and that means running away from his first love.
“This could be my last season in the NHL, yes.”
Anze Kopitar tells @jaimemaggio On the sports central podcast, 20th years with the @Lakings Maybe his last. Full podcast will be released tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/ntzfwipa2h
– Sports Central LA (@sportscentalla) August 28, 2025
“This could be my last season in the NHL, yes,” Kopitar said Sports central podcast Host Jaime Maggio in an interview that will be broadcast this week. “I’ve thought about it for a while”, and noticed that things are not official, but leaning that way.
Kopitar mentioned his family as the primary factor in his contemplation of retirement. His two children, now 11 and 9, have spent a large part of their lives sharing their father with the game. “They have sacrificed a number of vacations, a number of birthdays,” he said. “They come to an era in which they need their father around them.”
Even if this season is indeed his farewell, the star born in Slovenian promises to leave nothing in the tank. “I will give it my utmost and leave it all there,” he said.
Copitar will leave a legendary career
Kopitar, who already owns almost every major franchise record, is ready to pass the 1,307 career points of Marcel Dionne this season, making him the leader of the Kings of all time. Known as one of the best two-way players in the NHL, he won two Stanley Cups (2012, 2014), two selke trophies and the Lady Byng.
It does not sound like he will play a role in the team in a different capacity, at least not yet. He wants to concentrate on life away from the NHL when he retires and gives time to his family before he makes other decisions.
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