LA Kings GM’s Comments Spark Reactions Over Captain’s Career

LA Kings GM’s Comments Spark Reactions Over Captain’s Career originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Kings' Anze Kopitar appears to be entering his final NHL season, as his contract will expire next summer without negotiations for an extension expected to happen.

According to a report from LA Kings' outlet Mayors Manor, the longtime captain is not expected to sign another contract beyond 2025–26.

"Not expecting Kopitar to sign an extension of any sort," Mayors Manor posted on X. "Enjoy his final season in the NHL."

The post, while not confirming Kopitar's retirement at the end of next season, suggests that the two-time Stanley Cup champion has quietly made the decision to hang up his skates at season’s end.

Not expecting Kopitar to sign an extension of any sort. Enjoy his final season in the NHL.

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) July 18, 2025

Kopitar, who will turn 38 before next season, is entering the final year of a two-year, $14 million contract.

The Slovenian center has spent his entire 19-year career with the Kings, amassing 1,278 points in 1,454 regular-season games. He also helped lead the team to Stanley Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2014 while making the playoffs a total of 10 times.

Kopitar has racked up trophies throughout his career, winning two Selke Trophies, three Lady Byngs and the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

#GoKingsGo GM Ken Holland was on NHL Morning Skate w/@LaughlinSXM & @GordStellick to talk about re-signing Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe who are both on expiring contracts this coming NHL season

Full Interview:
🎧https://t.co/kUlFGXIamHpic.twitter.com/fB3XugX4DC

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) July 15, 2025

While neither the Kings nor Kopitar has made an official announcement about his future, general manager Ken Holland addressed the situation recently, confirming that no extension is being discussed at this time.

“(Kopitar) wants to take it a year at a time,” Holland said. “He’ll assess where he’s at at the end of the season. I respect that.”

Kopitar’s future stands in contrast to that of fellow Kings player Adrian Kempe, who Holland confirmed is in line for extension talks this summer. Kempe, 28, is also entering his final season under contract, the last of the four-year, $22 million deal he signed with the Kings in 2022.

Fans jumped on a Reddit thread posted on the Kings community over the platform, offering their thoughts on Holland's comments and Mayors Manor's report.

“Kopi’s been one of the constants of my entire time as a hockey fan. Going to be so weird with him gone. Not looking forward to it 😭,” one user posted.

“He has given this organization everything. Thanks for everything Anze. From the bottom of my heart,” another user wrote.

“One last dance with Kopi. Let’s win it all for him,” one user said.

“I won’t believe it until it’s out of Kopi’s mouth,” a fan commented.

“Stayed loyal and gave it 100 every night, what a guy,” another fan said.

“It’s gonna feel weird for a good while once he’s gone. 😭,” one user posted.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.