Latest News About Anže Kopitar

Here’s the latest on Anže Kopitar.

Short answer

• Kopitar has announced he’ll retire after the 2025-26 season, and as of spring 2026 he’s been wraping up a remarkable two-decade career with the Los Angeles Kings. His milestone chase included moving into the Kings’ all-time top scorer conversation and reaching 1,500 regular-season games during his final season, along with continued strong play in 2025-26.[2][3]

Background and current status

• Kopitar debuted in the NHL with the Kings in 2006 and has been a central figure in two Stanley Cup championships (2012, 2014) and multiple individual awards across his career, cementing his status as a franchise icon.[2]
• He announced retirement after the 2025-26 season and played his 1,500th game during that final year, a historic milestone for a player with a long run in Los Angeles.[2]

Recent performances and public reception

• In the 2024-25 season, Kopitar posted 21 goals and 46 assists for 67 points in 81 games, maintaining a high level of two-way play into his final season.[2]
• News outlets in 2026 continued to highlight Kopitar’s emotional connection with Kings fans and his impact on the franchise, including postseason considerations and reflections on his career.[4][9]

What this means for the Kings and fans

• Kopitar’s retirement will mark the end of an era for the Kings, likely prompting a period of reflection on his leadership, consistency, and contributions to franchise records in games played, assists, and points.[9][2]
• The organization and fan base have widely celebrated his two-decade commitment, his role in multiple deep playoff runs, and his influence on Slovenian hockey and the sport globally.[9][2]

Key milestones to know

• First Slovenian to play in the NHL, later becoming a Kings legend and franchise leader in games played and climbing the points chart toward Marcel Dionne’s all-time Kings mark.[2]
• Re-signed to a two-year extension in 2023, signaling continued durability and leadership heading into his final seasons.[2]

If you’d like, I can pull the most recent direct headlines from major outlets (ESPN, CBS Sports, The Hockey News) and summarize any post-retirement plans Kopitar might have announced, plus notable reactions from teammates and coaches. I can also offer a quick timeline of Kopitar’s career milestones with dates.