Los Angeles Kings legend Anze Kopitar says that he is happy with his decision to retire after 20 years in the NHL.
Kopitar made the decision to walk away from the sport that brought him so much joy at the age of 37 following the 2025-26 NHL season. Now 38 years old, Kopitar played in fellow Zdeno Chara’s farewell game, the ‘Zee’s Final Shift,’ at Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium in Trencin, Slovakia, on Friday. He looked good in the game, but he says he’s content with his decision to retire.
Anze Kopitar Happy With Retirement
Speaking to NHL.com, Kopitar reaffirmed his decision to step away from the NHL, though he admitted he was happy to play with fellow legends like Chara in the tribute game.
“I am very happy. It’s great. Obviously, I get to spend a lot more time with my family. I get to go (watch my) kids … my son’s hockey tournament, my daughter’s figure skating competition. So, there is still life in ice arenas, but I’m enjoying it very much,” Kopitar said.
Anze Kopitar is a Hockey Hall of Fame Lock
When Kopitar becomes eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2029, he will undoubtedly be inducted into the HHOF in his first year of eligibility, because he was an amazing hockey player who has a brilliant career in the NHL.
After being taken 11th overall by the Kings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Kopitar played all 20 of his seasons for the Kings, winning two Stanley Cups with the franchise. He also won two Selke Trophies, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, and the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
He played in 1,521 regular-season games, scoring 452 goals and 1,316 points overall- incredible numbers for a player who was also known for being brilliant defensively.
There is no doubt that Kopitar could have kept playing in the NHL, as he had a solid year last season, playing 67 games with 12 goals and 38 points, fine numbers for a 37-year-old hockey. But he decided that spending time with his family was what he wanted, and you have to respect his decision to walk away and spend time with them.
Kings Legend Anze Kopitar Happy With Retirement Decision