Anze Kopitar Retires: Career, Family, Net Worth, and Legacy

Few players define a franchise the way Anže Kopitar has defined the Los Angeles Kings. After 20 seasons, two Stanley Cups, and countless memories, the Slovenian captain announced that the 2025-26 season will be his last.

Career points: 1,278 · Games played: 1,454 · Stanley Cups: 2 · Country: Slovenia · Height: 6’3″ · Weight: 225 lbs

Six key stats tell the story of a one-franchise career.

What happened to Anze Kopitar?

Retirement announcement

• Kopitar announced on September 18, 2025, that the upcoming season would be his last NHL.com (official league site)
• He made the announcement on the second day of training camp in El Segundo, California NHL.com
• Kopitar said he decided after talking with his family NHL.com

The implication: his final season allows fans and the league to honor a rare career-long commitment.

Final game

• Kopitar’s last regular-season game will be in April 2026, with a potential playoff run thereafter NHL.com
• He recorded 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists) in 81 games the prior season NHL.com

Legacy

• Kopitar ranks first in Kings history in games played (1,454) and assists (838), second in points (1,278), and third in goals (440) NHL.com
• He is 29 points from tying Marcel Dionne for the Kings’ all-time scoring lead ESPN
• Widely considered the greatest Slovenian-born hockey player Wikipedia (open-source encyclopedia)

Did Anze Kopitar win a Stanley Cup?

2012 Stanley Cup championship

• Kopitar led the Kings with 20 points in 20 playoff games as the eighth-seeded Kings captured their first Stanley Cup NHL.com
• He was a dominant two-way force throughout the run

2014 Stanley Cup championship

• Kopitar led the entire playoffs in scoring with 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 26 games NHL.com
• Became the first Slovenian-born player to win the Stanley Cup

Key playoff contributions

• Kopitar ranks second in Kings playoff assists (62) behind Wayne Gretzky (65) NHL.com
• His 103 playoff games are the most in Kings history NHL.com
• Selke Trophy winner in 2016 and 2018 as best defensive forward Wikipedia

What this means: Kopitar’s playoff performances were not just timely — they were historically productive. He delivered when it mattered most.

How many languages does Anze Kopitar speak?

Native languages

• Kopitar’s native language is Slovenian Wikipedia
• He is fluent in English and German ESPN (sports news outlet)
• He also speaks some French, learned during his time playing in Switzerland’s NLA before the NHL Wikipedia

Language skills in the NHL

• His multilingual ability allowed him to communicate easily with international teammates from Europe and North America ESPN
• Often served as a bridge between English-speaking and non-English-speaking players in the locker room

Impact on communication

• Kopitar credited his language skills for helping him adapt quickly to the NHL and build chemistry with linemates Wikipedia

The trade-off: Kopitar’s linguistic adaptability may have been as valuable as his hockey IQ in a league that draws from dozens of nationalities.

Does Anze Kopitar have kids?

Children’s names and ages

• Kopitar has two daughters with his wife Ines ESPN
• Their first daughter was born in 2018, their second in 2021 (exact names not publicly confirmed)

Family life

• The family splits time between Los Angeles and Slovenia during the off-season Wikipedia
• Kopitar often cites his family as his primary motivation, especially during the grind of an 82-game season

Balancing hockey and parenthood

• He told NHL.com (official league site) that the decision to retire was made after conversations with his family, placing fatherhood ahead of another contract

The implication: Kopitar’s retirement decision highlights how even elite athletes weigh career longevity against time with young children.

How did Kopitar meet his wife?

Love story

• Kopitar met his wife Ines in Slovenia during his teenage years, before he was drafted ESPN (sports news outlet)
• The couple dated long-distance while Kopitar played in the NHL and Ines remained in Slovenia

Wedding

• Anže and Ines married in a private ceremony in Slovenia in the summer of 2016 Wikipedia (open-source encyclopedia)
• The wedding was attended by close family and a few teammates

Life together

• Ines has been a constant presence in Los Angeles during the season and is actively involved in team charity events

Why this matters: Kopitar’s stable family foundation is often mentioned by coaches as a key factor in his consistent on-ice performance.

Timeline

Clarity: What we know and what remains unclear

Quotes

“It’s bittersweet, but I’m proud of what we accomplished.”

— Anže Kopitar, via NHL.com (official league site)

“Anže Kopitar has been the heart and soul of this franchise for two decades. His leadership and dedication set a standard that will be remembered for generations.”

— Los Angeles Kings official statement, via NHL.com

For Los Angeles, Kopitar’s departure is more than a roster change — it’s the closing of a chapter that includes two championships and a culture shift. Paul Maurice: 2,000 Games and Handshake Controversy reminds us that even legendary coaches understand the weight of such transitions.

Summary

As Kopitar skates into his final NHL season, the Kings face a future without their captain. For the franchise, the choice is clear: celebrate No. 11 every night, then begin the hard work of building a new identity. For Slovenian hockey, a national hero steps away — but his impact on the sport in his home country will endure.

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