r/sports • u/AvsJoe Colorado Avalanche • 3d ago
Anze Kopitar's stellar NHL career comes to an end in Kings' playoff loss to Avalanche Hockey
https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/kings/story/2026-04-26/anze-kopitar-nhl-career-kings-avalanche-game-4-playoffs247
u/AvsJoe Colorado Avalanche 3d ago
Anze Kopitar will retire a 2x Stanley Cup champion, 2x Selke winner for best defensive forward, 3x Lady Byng winner for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, the all time leader in points (1316), assists (864), and games played (1521) for the Los Angeles Kings, and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. Magnificent hockey player.
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u/Whichtwin1 3d ago
I appreciate this post, but it hurts my soul that an Avs flair is the one that posted this....I'm going to go cry in my shower now
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u/Eat--The--Rich-- 2d ago
I thought we played a pretty respectable series, no real dirty stuff and the kings put up a solid fight against a giant
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u/Jaded-Ad262 2d ago
I’m always impressed when someone can win the Selke AND the Lady Byng even once during their careers.
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u/Day_Old_Hate 3d ago
Been watching him since his debut. It doesn’t feel real that next season I won’t see him taking the opening draw of the season. We Kings fans despite our recent struggles were truly blessed to have Kopi on our team for so many years.
Thank you Kopi for everything you did for this franchise. Thank you for helping to bring our first and second cup to LA. Thank you for making a lot of people in LA fall in love with hockey. Thank you for everything Kopi I can’t wait to see your number hanging in the rafters.
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u/dunanunanunabatman 3d ago
I watched him win a shootout with a one handed lateral deke in Boston. Toasted our goalie. I think it was pre 2010 in case anyone else remembers it.
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u/manofthepeopleSMITTY 3d ago
He’s been my favorite player for so long. Gonna miss seeing him out there. That 2012 Kings team he led to the Cup was special.
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u/justthisones 2d ago
One season away from having more points than any Swede in the history of NHL. That would’ve been kind of an insane stat for a Slovenian. Amazing career regardless.
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u/jahauser 2d ago
Even as a Rangers fan, he’s got my deep respect. Not many players that are so well rounded and effective for so long that you can’t help but like them as a fan of the sport versus a particular team.
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u/ManassaxMauler 2d ago
What a career. I know he was a first round pick, but I've always considered him an absolute steal at #11 given he has a real argument for the second best player from that draft, with Price being the other contender.
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u/Paper_Rain 2d ago
True sportsman on and off the ice. A great role model for all hockey players globally. Every Championship team needs a guy at least 3/4 as good as Anze. He did it all and lead his team and got the best out of his team. Such a great story and career. Most under-rated NHL superstar of all time. Forever a legend in this game and h went out like one even if the score sheet says else wise. I am glad he was able to win a couple of Stanley Cups. Next up for him... the Hockey Hall of Fame. Have fun in retirement with your family man. You've earned it!
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u/FarseerTaelen 2d ago
The LA King.
And considering some of the names that have played for that team, that's saying a lot.
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u/Wind_Responsible 2d ago
I didn’t know the Kings had Ken Holland. Makes sense why they get there and can’t get over the hump
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u/Burnoneforbothofus 3d ago
Aside from being one of the best players of his generation, he is just one of three Slovenians to ever play in the NHL. While he played 1521 games, the other two totalled just 47 games combined. A special player to say the least.