It’s that time of the year, folks, where the 2025-26 season is coming to a close, and we discuss the impact players have left in the league. One player that comes to mind is Los Angeles Kings veteran captain Anže Kopitar. The 6-foot-3 Slovenian native is one of the most notable and prominent figures in the NHL. With his high hockey IQ, elite stickhandling, and exceptional playmaking, let’s take a look at how Kopitar has changed the landscape of professional hockey.
Kopitar’s Best Moments of His Career
While it’s bleak to think about Kopitar’s last few weeks of his career before retirement at the age of 38, Kopitar has delivered some of his best plays to the Kings and their organization. From two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014, respectively, to setting a franchise record for the most points in Kings history, it’s no feat that the franchise center has dedicated his heart and soul to the sports industry and community of Southern California.
Selected 11th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Kings, he has built an impressive resume filled with championships, medals, and trophies over the span of two decades. One of his most reputable achievements (besides winning the Stanley Cup twice) is the awarding of the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the NHL in 2015-16 and 2017-18. Along with several other award nominations, Kopitar has proven to be an honorable and respected individual.
Young talent in the league have praised the veteran for his sportsmanship and excellent leadership qualities. Teammates and players around the league paid their respect to the captain for two outstanding decades of hockey. Individuals such as “Kopi” and other elite players like Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Kris Letang have redefined the standards and the world of professional hockey. They helped shape the next generation for what’s yet to come.
Kopitar Claims the Crown
Another incredible achievement from Kopitar’s tenure with the Kings was the announcement marking his first season as captain on June 16, 2016. After the transition of captaincy from Dustin Brown to Kopitar, a new era of leadership began. In 1,515 games played in his career, Kopitar has amassed 452 goals and 1,314 points. His consistency has made him one of the top-notch centers in the league and a reliable figure of talent.
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Aside from dominating and creating plays to the best of his ability, Kopitar is the first Slovenian to have made history as an NHLer. He paved the path for future players from Slovenia and nearby countries to believe they could reach the league and attain success. His achievements have brought global attention to his home country, and he has become a symbol of national pride. His influence will continue to inspire generations in Slovenia and across the hockey community.
Kopitar Unlocks a Franchise Record
On March 14, 2026, Kopitar passed Marcel Dionne’s franchise record for the most points as he recorded his 1,308th career point against the New Jersey Devils. This marked a pivotal moment for the Slovenian as Dionne held that record for more than 45 years, and the longtime captain achieved that milestone with several games still remaining in the regular season.
Who Will Be the Next Captain?
As the 2025-26 season comes to an end, it’s tough to say who’ll be the next captain for the Kings, but my bets are on Adrian Kempe. The 6-foot-2 Swede signed an eight-year contract extension in Nov. 2025 and has been with the organization since April 2014, after he was drafted in the first round, 29th overall. Kopitar is leaving behind a legacy with a franchise he won two Stanley Cups with, two Frank J. Selke Trophies, the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, and three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, securing his place as one of the greatest players to don a Kings jersey.
