Anze Kopitar
The first Slovenian to win the Stanley Cup and a two-way force for Los Angeles.
Anže Kopitar is a Slovenian professional ice hockey player who has spent his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, remaining active as of the 2023–24 season. Drafted 11th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, he became the first Slovenian to play in the league upon debuting in 2006. A centre known for elite two-way play, Kopitar finished second in Kings scoring in his first season (2006–07) behind Mike Cammalleri, then led the team in scoring every season from 2008–09 through 2021–22, with the exception of 2022–23 when he finished second. He holds the franchise record for points, while Marcel Dionne holds the assists record with 757. His career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014, earning multiple Frank J. Selke Trophies, and serving as the Kings' captain following the 2015–16 season.
- Position
- Centre
- Team
- Los Angeles Kings
- Draft Year
- 2005
- Stanley Cups
- 2 (2012, 2014)
- Nationality
- Slovenian
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Before joining the NHL, Kopitar played junior hockey for his hometown team HK Acroni Jesenice. At age 16, he moved to Sweden to play for Södertälje SK in the Elitserien, leading their junior league in scoring with 49 points in 30 games. Although selected by the Regina Pats in the CHL Import Draft, he declined to move to North America at 17, choosing instead to develop against professionals in Sweden. After being drafted 11th overall in 2005, he signed an entry-level contract but returned for one more season in Sweden before making his NHL debut on October 6, 2006, scoring one goal and no assists against the Anaheim Ducks. His rookie campaign saw him finish fourth in Calder Memorial Trophy voting with 61 points, marking the highest point total by a Kings rookie since Luc Robitaille in 1986–87.
In Their Own Story
Kopitar's path to glory included a dramatic 2010–11 season where he set a new Kings record with 325 consecutive games played, passing Marcel Dionne on March 15. Just eleven days later, his streak ended at 330 games due to a broken ankle suffered in a collision with Ryan O'Byrne against the Colorado Avalanche. Despite missing the playoffs that year, he led the team in scoring for the fourth straight season. The following year defined his legacy; leading the Kings to their first Stanley Cup title in 2012 by defeating the New Jersey Devils in six games. Kopitar tied with captain Dustin Brown for the team lead in playoff scoring with 20 points and became the first Slovenian-born player to win the Cup. He repeated as champion in 2014, leading the playoffs in points both times.
Reader's Guide
Fans of the Kings recognize Kopitar's unique blend of offensive talent and defensive responsibility. He was named team captain following the 2015–16 season, having already won his first Frank J. Selke Trophy that same year as the NHL's best defensive forward. His gentlemanly play earned him Lady Byng Memorial Trophies in 2016, 2023, and 2025, with finalist appearances in 2015 and 2026. Throughout his tenure, he scored his 1,000th career point in 2021 and remains first in franchise history for points and assists, while ranking third in goals. Internationally, he represented Slovenia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and played for Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Did You Know?
- Kopitar was the first Slovenian to play in the NHL upon his debut in 2006.
- He declined an offer to join the WHL's Regina Pats at age 17 to continue playing against professionals in Sweden.
- In the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, Kopitar tied with teammate Dustin Brown for the team lead in scoring with 20 points.
- Kopitar scored one goal and no assists in his very first NHL game on October 6, 2006, against the Anaheim Ducks.
- He was named the Kings' captain following the conclusion of the 2015–16 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anze Kopitar?
He is a Slovenian centre who spent his entire twenty-season NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. As the first player from Slovenia to join the league, he became a franchise icon known for his longevity and leadership.
What was Anze Kopitar's primary role on the ice?
Kopitar served as an elite two-way centre, consistently leading the team in scoring while excelling defensively. His ability to control play from both ends of the rink made him a cornerstone of the Kings' offense and penalty kill.
How does Anze Kopitar's career story end?
He concluded his professional journey after twenty seasons, leaving behind franchise records for points and assists. His retirement cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Kings history.
Why is Anze Kopitar important to the franchise?
Kopitar was instrumental in guiding the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. He also served as captain, earning multiple Selke Trophies for his outstanding two-way performance.
When did Anze Kopitar first join the Kings?
Selected eleventh overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, he made his league debut with Los Angeles in 2006. He remained with the organization for every season of his career until retirement.
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