Anze Kopitar’s 2025 Kings season performance review reveals that despite a midseason dip, Kopitar remained the driving force behind the team’s offense throughout the campaign. Playing 81 games, he recorded 21 goals and 46 assists with a +14 rating, solidifying his value as both a scorer and playmaker. His leadership and consistent contributions were vital in maintaining the team’s competitiveness, keeping the Kings among the NHL’s top teams heading into the playoffs.

A Strong Season Start Propelled Team Success

Kopitar began the season as one of the NHL’s standout performers, providing the Kings with crucial offensive production when several teammates lagged behind expectations. By midseason, Kopitar had amassed 39 points in 36 games, including 12 goals and 27 assists, along with an impressive +16 plus/minus rating and five game-winning goals. His 55.6 percent faceoff win rate further underscored his overall effectiveness. Notably, Kopitar opened the season explosively by scoring three goals on Opening Night, helping spark a comeback victory that set the tone for the first few months. This strong start was instrumental in the Kings amassing 105 points by season’s end, underscoring his role as a foundational player for the team’s success.

Offensive Contribution and Puck Control Excellence

Throughout the season, the Kings’ offense flourished with Kopitar on the ice. At even strength, the team averaged 3.49 goals per 60 minutes of play with Kopitar present, ranking second among the regular forwards after Adrian Kempe, marking one of Kopitar’s best NHL production rates over his career. Despite taking on challenging minutes and facing tough defensive matchups, Kopitar excelled in puck transition. According to SportLogiq, he was second on the Kings among forwards in successful controlled exits from the defensive zone, trailing only Kempe. Offensively, Kopitar led the team by generating successful plays 63.5 percent of the time on controlled zone entries, particularly when he carried the puck into the offensive zone. This command over both defensive exits and offensive entries highlighted his comprehensive impact up and down the ice.

Recognition for Sportsmanship and Leadership

In recognition of his exemplary conduct and leadership, Kopitar was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career, an honor celebrating skillful and fair play. Kopitar’s reputation is further evidenced by receiving 39 votes for the Selke Trophy, placing him eighth among NHL forwards in consideration for the best defensive forward. His consistent presence in the Top 10 for the Selke on 12 occasions, including this season, reflects his status as a respected leader within the Kings’ locker room and the league at large. Kopitar’s influence and demeanor continue to earn him admiration both on and off the ice.

Areas of Concern: Shooting and Defensive Challenges

While Kopitar’s overall season was strong, several metrics indicate areas for attention moving forward. His shot total was notably low, with just 98 shots on goal — the fewest he has recorded in a full NHL season. Despite this, he maintained a career-high shooting percentage of 21.4 percent, which boosted his goal totals but may not be sustainable over time. Additionally, Kopitar was heavily involved in high-event defensive situations, registering the highest expected goals against per 60 minutes among Kings forwards, signaling that he faced significant pressure defensively. Fortunately, these challenges did not translate into negative results for the team. Still, they highlight aspects that Kopitar and the Kings will aim to manage in future seasons.

Mixed Playoff Performance Under Intense Competition

Kopitar’s playoffs performance was marked by contrasts. He ranked second on the team with nine points in six games, including four power-play points, but also carried a minus-6 rating. His five even-strength points were just behind teammate Phillip Danault in the series. Though Kopitar faced top-tier opposition such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, these were not his most frequent matchups. Game 3 proved especially difficult, as he was on the ice for five even-strength goals against, contributing to a tough night. While the results fluctuated, his contributions on the power play and overall points production showed he remained a key player in high-pressure situations.

Looking Ahead: Kopitar’s Future with the Kings

Entering the 2025-26 season, Anze Kopitar has one year remaining on his contract, which carries a $7 million annual average value. The veteran center confirmed his intention to play through the upcoming season during his exit interview, although he has not committed beyond that. While there has been speculation that 2025-26 may be his final year in the NHL, no definitive decision has been announced. Kopitar is expected to continue centering one of the Kings’ top lines and remain a key figure for the team. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to witness how the captain’s influence evolves, recognizing that players of Kopitar’s caliber are exceedingly rare in the league.