Anze Kopitar Retires After 20 Seasons, Succeeding Captaincy to Drew Doughty

Anze Kopitar concluded his storied 20-season career with the Los Angeles Kings, paving the way for defenseman Drew Doughty to be named the 15th captain in franchise history. Kopitar's retirement marks the end of an era for the Kings, who also hired head coach Peter Laviolette in June following a fifth straight first-round playoff exit. Doughty takes over the leadership role heading into his 19th NHL season alongside alternate captains Adrian Kempe, Mikey Anderson, and newcomer Artemi Panarin.