Anze Kopitar
Slovenian NHL centre, two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings.
Anže Kopitar (pronounced [anˈʒɛ kɔˈpiːtaɾ], born 24 August 1987) is a Slovenian professional ice hockey player. Kopitar plays as a centre and has spent his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). The 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL entry draft, Kopitar became the first Slovenian to play in the NHL upon making his debut in 2006. Kopitar has led the Kings team in scoring in all but four seasons and is first in franchise history in points, third in goals, and first in assists. He scored his 1,000th career point in 2021. Following the 2015–16 season, he was named the Kings' captain. Noted for both his offensive and defensive play, Kopitar was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the NHL in 2016 and 2018 while also being a finalist in 2014 and 2015, as well as the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for gentlemanly play in 2016, 2023 and 2025 while also being a finalist in 2015.
- Position
- Centre
- Team
- Los Angeles Kings
- Draft Year
- 2005
- Stanley Cups
- 2 (2012, 2014)
- Nationality
- Slovenian
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Kopitar played junior hockey for his hometown team HK Acroni Jesenice before moving to Sweden at age 16 to play in a more competitive league. He spent one season with the junior teams of the Södertälje SK organization, and then with the senior team of the top-level Elitserien. He moved to North America to join the Kings in 2006, one year after he was drafted, and finished fourth in the Calder Memorial Trophy voting for the league's top rookie. Kopitar's offensive talent was immediately apparent while his defensive style developed in later seasons and he has become recognized for his two-way play. Praised as one of the best players in the NHL, Kopitar won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014, leading the playoffs in points on both occasions (tied with teammate Dustin Brown in 2012). Internationally, Kopitar represented the Slovenian national team in several junior and senior tournaments, as well as at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He also played for Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
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
Kopitar made his NHL debut on 6 October 2006, against the Anaheim Ducks, scoring two goals in the game. He finished his first NHL season third among rookies in scoring with 20 goals and 41 assists for 61 points. He led the Kings in assists and points in his second season and won the Bill Libby Memorial Award as the most valuable player on the Kings. He signed a seven-year contract extension on 11 October 2008. He scored his first career NHL hat-trick on 22 October 2009. He led the Kings in scoring for four straight seasons through 2010–11. In the 2011–12 season, he led the Kings in scoring with 76 points and helped the team win the Stanley Cup, tying with Dustin Brown for the playoff scoring lead with 20 points. He won the Stanley Cup again in 2014, leading the playoffs in points.
Did You Know?
- Kopitar is the first Slovenian-born player to win the Stanley Cup.
- He was ranked the top European skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau prior to the 2005 draft.
- Kopitar declined an offer to join the WHL's Regina Pats at age 17 to continue playing in Sweden.
- He scored his 1,000th career point in 2021.
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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