Unexpected update just dropped on Anze Kopitar’s NHL future

Anze Kopitar has been the face of the Los Angeles Kings for nearly two decades. But according to NHL insider John Hoven, the 2025–26 season might be his last in the league.

The Kings have been trying to get back to contender status for a few years now, but they’ve been stuck. Each of the past four seasons, they’ve run into the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, losing every time.

Now, the team might be close to losing one of its biggest stars. Hoven reports that Kopitar is not expected to sign a contract extension and is likely heading toward retirement after this upcoming season.

“Not expecting Kopitar to sign an extension of any sort. Enjoy his final season in the NHL.”

Kopitar was drafted 11th overall by the Kings back in 2005. Since then, he’s played 1,454 regular season games, scored 440 goals, and racked up 1,278 points. He also helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup championships, one in 2012 and the other in 2014. During those playoff runs, he added 33 points in 46 games.

If this is truly the end, Kopitar will go down as one of the greatest players in Kings history :if not THE greatest. He’s still playing at a high level, and stepping away now could be the perfect way to end an incredible career on his own terms.

There’s still a chance he changes his mind, but at 38 years old by the end of next season, retirement may be the next chapter for the Kings’ captain.