Los Angeles Kings captain Anže Kopitar’s illustrious NHL career came to an emotional close on Saturday night. The 38-year-old Slovene star waved goodbye to the Crypto.com Arena faithful after a first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.[1][2] With the outcome sealed, Kings fans filled the arena with chants of “Kopi, Kopi” and “Thank you, Kopi” as Kopitar appeared on the jumbotron roughly three minutes into the third period. The standing ovation grew louder during his final shift with just over two minutes remaining.
Kopitar had announced prior to the 2025-26 regular season that it would mark his swan song in the NHL.[3] Despite the disappointing playoff finish, the veteran center leaves behind a legacy etched in Kings history. His 20 seasons—all spent in purple and black—solidified him as the franchise’s greatest player.
A 20-year journey with the Los Angeles Kings
Anže Kopitar arrived in Los Angeles as an 18-year-old phenom, drafted sixth overall in 2005. He debuted in 2006-07, quickly becoming the team’s top center and leader. Over two decades, he played every one of his 1,521 regular-season games and 107 playoff contests with the Kings, a testament to his loyalty.[4]
Kopitar’s consistency stood out. He led the Kings in scoring in 15 seasons, tying Sidney Crosby for the second-most such streaks behind only Wayne Gretzky. In March 2026, he shattered Marcel Dionne’s franchise points record, reaching 1,308 and eventually finishing with 1,316 points (452 goals, 864 assists).[5][6]
His two-way play defined eras. During the lean years, Kopitar anchored the defense; in the championship runs, he drove the offense. Teammates and coaches praised his preparation and leadership, often calling him the “King of Kings.”
The 2025-26 season brought mixed emotions. Early struggles led to a coaching change, with D.J. Smith taking over as interim head coach. Yet Kopitar hit milestones, like his 1,500th game, while the team clawed into the playoffs. His final regular-season home game against Edmonton on April 11 drew tears as he addressed the crowd: “Thank you for everything.”[7]
Road dominance contrasted home woes throughout the year, but Kopitar remained steady. For more on his enduring impact, check out Anze Kopitar’s legacy with the LA Kings on NHL Insight.
Championships, awards and individual brilliance
Kopitar’s trophy case gleams. He captained the Kings to their only two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, hoisting the Cup as the franchise’s longest-tenured leader.
His defensive prowess earned two Frank J. Selke Trophies (2015-16, 2017-18), recognizing him as the NHL’s best defensive forward. Off the ice—or rather, his sportsmanship shone with three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies (2017-18, 2021-22, 2022-23).
Here’s a quick look at his major hardware:
- Stanley Cup: 2012, 2014
- Selke Trophy: 2015-16, 2017-18
- Lady Byng Trophy: 2017-18, 2021-22, 2022-23
- Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award: 2021-22
Kopitar’s plus-127 career rating underscores his reliability. He peaked offensively with 74 points in 2015-16, leading LA for a record ninth straight year.[8]
Hall of Fame induction seems inevitable. As one analyst noted post-record, “Kopitar is the epitome of what makes a Kings legend.”[9]
The final moments and fan farewell
Game 4 against Colorado encapsulated Kopitar’s career: gritty, heartfelt, unyielding. Trailing deep into the third, Kings fans turned the arena into a tribute zone. “Kopi, Kopi” echoed as he skated to the bench for the last time.
The jumbotron tribute sparked the loudest cheers. Chants of “Thank you, Kopi” drowned out the final buzzer, a fitting sendoff despite the 0-4 series loss.
Kopitar’s postgame words, shared via NHL.com, reflected grace: “Nothing to lose… we’ve had a great run.”[1] Teammates like Drew Doughty lauded his influence.
His regular-season finale speech set the tone: gratitude to fans, organization, and family. As the playoffs loomed, hopes ran high to extend the farewell. Kings captain Anze Kopitar retiring after 2025-26 season captured the preseason buzz.
Legacy and the road ahead for Los Angeles
Kopitar redefined the Kings. From playoffs misses to Cup parades, he was the constant. His all-time franchise records in games, points, and assists cement immortality.
Post-retirement speculation swirls. Golf, family time, and F1 races top his plans. The Kings face a transition; Adrian Kempe eyes captaincy. See Will Adrian Kempe become the next Kings captain?
New GM Ken Holland plots the rebuild. Youth like Quinton Byfield must step up.
Kopitar’s exit marks an era’s end, but his shadow looms large. First-ballot Hall of Famer? Undebatable.
As the Kings regroup, Kopitar’s standard endures. What it means for LA: a rebuild honoring the greatest King ever. Fans will miss the chants, but cherish the memories. NHL.com coverage details the playoff push.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.