Newly retired forward Anze Kopitar was back on the ice last week for a tribute game to Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Zdeno Chara.
Despite an impressive showing, Kopitar insisted he won’t be lacing up his skates again in the NHL.
“If I look fresh, trust me, I did not feel fresh. It’s definitely the end,” Kopitar told NHL.com, remaining steadfast in his decision to walk away after 20 seasons.
Kopitar, 39, announced last fall he would be playing his final year, posting 12 goals and 37 points in 67 games to help the Los Angeles Kings reach the playoffs, where they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round.
The Kings announced plans earlier this month to retire Kopitar’s No. 11 and unveil a statue of him prior to their Feb. 24 game against the Montreal Canadiens.
“I am very happy,” Kopitar said of his new life away from the game. “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 is the Kings’ all-time leader in games played (1,521), goals (452), assists (864), and points (1,316). He also captained the team 10 seasons and helped lead the team to 12 playoff appearances during his tenure.
He helped lead the Kings to Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014, which were the first in franchise history.
