Even after his final NHL game, Anze Kopitar still has plenty to look forward to.
The Los Angeles Kings star is now ready to be a full-time dad to his two kids, daughter Neza and son Jakob.
Kopitar’s playing career ended when the Kings suffered a 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday in Game 4 of a first-round series at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Cali.
The Kings were sent home packing by the Avs via a series sweep, and while Kopitar will not be returning for another season, he’ll have his hands full taking care of Neza and Jakob.
“I think they’re extremely happy because now they get their dad for themselves,” the 38-year-old Kopitar said in his final postgame press conference with his kids beside him.”
Kopitar then discussed the challenges he faced as a parent during his NHL career as he looks to be fully present for his kids.
“They’ve been 11 years, 9 years with a so-called part time dad and now they get that full time,” Kopitar added.
“I think they’re extremely happy because now they get dad for themselves.” 🥹
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 27, 2026
Anze Kopitar speaks on what’s next after playing his final NHL game. pic.twitter.com/Thujbpu1yo
Kopitar may be less visible to Kings fans going forward, but they will always remember his huge role in helping the team win two Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014.
The two-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner exits the NHL with career totals of 452 goals and 864 assists in 1,521 games, all with the Kings.
