Los Angeles Kings legend Anze Kopitar says that he is happy with his decision to retire after 20 years in the NHL.
Kopitar made the decision to walk away from the sport that brought him so much joy at the age of 37 following the 2025-26 NHL season. Now 38 years old, Kopitar played in fellow Zdeno Chara's farewell game, the 'Zee's Final Shift,' at Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium in Trencin, Slovakia, on Friday. He looked good in the game, but he says he's content with his decision to retire.
Speaking to NHL.com, Kopitar reaffirmed his decision to step away from the NHL, though he admitted he was happy to play with fellow legends like Chara in the tribute game.
"I am very happy. It's great. Obviously, I get to spend a lot more time with my family. I get to go (watch my) kids … my son's hockey tournament, my daughter's figure skating competition. So, there is still life in ice arenas, but I'm enjoying it very much," Kopitar said.
When Kopitar becomes eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2029, he will undoubtedly be inducted into the HHOF in his first year of eligibility, because he was an amazing hockey player who has a brilliant career in the NHL.
#happy
Kopitar made the decision to walk away from the sport that brought him so much joy at the age of 37 following the 2025-26 NHL season. Now 38 years old, Kopitar played in fellow Zdeno Chara's farewell game, the 'Zee's Final Shift,' at Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium in Trencin, Slovakia, on Friday. He looked good in the game, but he says he's content with his decision to retire.
Speaking to NHL.com, Kopitar reaffirmed his decision to step away from the NHL, though he admitted he was happy to play with fellow legends like Chara in the tribute game.
"I am very happy. It's great. Obviously, I get to spend a lot more time with my family. I get to go (watch my) kids … my son's hockey tournament, my daughter's figure skating competition. So, there is still life in ice arenas, but I'm enjoying it very much," Kopitar said.
When Kopitar becomes eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2029, he will undoubtedly be inducted into the HHOF in his first year of eligibility, because he was an amazing hockey player who has a brilliant career in the NHL.
#happy
22 days ago
