Sports • Hockey

Anže Kopitar

Anže Kopitar is a Slovenian professional ice hockey centre best known for his long career with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anže Kopitar is a Slovenian professional ice hockey centre who spent his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. He became the first Slovenian to play in the NHL and won two Stanley Cups with the team. By 2026, he had announced his retirement after the 2025–26 season and had become the Kings' all-time points leader.

Early life and career

Anže Kopitar was born in Jesenice, Slovenia, and developed as a hockey player in his home country. He was selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2006, becoming the first Slovenian to play in the league.

NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings

Kopitar played his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, serving as captain and becoming one of the franchise's most important players. He set multiple team records and finished as the Kings' all-time leader in points. He announced in September 2025 that he would retire after the 2025–26 season.

Championships and awards

Kopitar won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014. He also earned major individual honours, including two Frank J. Selke Trophies (2016, 2018) as the NHL's top defensive forward, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

International significance

Kopitar is widely regarded as the most accomplished Slovenian ice hockey player in history. His NHL success made him a landmark figure for hockey in Slovenia and a trailblazer for Slovenian players in North America.

Key facts

Kopitar became the first Slovenian to play in the NHL when he debuted in 2006.
He spent his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings.
He won two Stanley Cups with the Kings, in 2012 and 2014.
He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy twice, in 2016 and 2018.
He announced in September 2025 that he would retire after the 2025–26 season.

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Canadian context

Kopitar is relevant to Canadian readers through the NHL, which includes several Canadian teams and a large Canadian hockey audience. His career is also notable in the broader North American hockey context as one of the league’s elite two-way forwards.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Anže Kopitar?

Anže Kopitar is a Slovenian former professional ice hockey centre known for his long career with the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL.

What team did Anže Kopitar play for?

He played his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings.

What position did Anže Kopitar play?

He played centre.

How many Stanley Cups did Anže Kopitar win?

He won two Stanley Cups with the Kings, in 2012 and 2014.

Was Anže Kopitar the first Slovenian in the NHL?

Yes. He became the first Slovenian to play in the NHL when he debuted in 2006.

When did Anže Kopitar retire?

He announced in September 2025 that he would retire after the 2025–26 season.

References

National Hockey League — https://www.nhl.com/player/anze-kopitar-8471685
Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, draft details, NHL debut, awards, and career with the Los Angeles Kings.
Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anze_Kopitar
Supports: Slovenian nationality, first Slovenian to play in the NHL, career with the Kings, Stanley Cup wins, and retirement announcement.
ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/bio?id=3183
Supports: Position, team, birthdate, draft information, awards, and active career status.
CBS Sports — https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/565682/anze-kopitar/
Supports: Career points milestone and Kings all-time points leadership.
The Athletic — https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7191132/2026/04/13/anze-kopitar-la-kings-retirement/
Supports: Career legacy, franchise records, championships, and retirement context.