Kopitar Nears Kings' All-Time Scoring Record in Final Season

Anze Kopitar, in his 20th and final NHL season, stands just 2 points away from becoming the Los Angeles Kings' all-time leading scorer.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:49am

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Anze Kopitar, a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Kings, is on the verge of breaking the franchise's all-time scoring record held by Marcel Dionne. With just two points separating him from Dionne's mark of 1,307, Kopitar's pursuit has captivated fans as he looks to cement his legacy as a Kings legend. Despite facing injury setbacks and a career-low 28 points this season, Kopitar remains focused on contributing to the team's playoff push.

Why it matters

Kopitar's pursuit of the franchise scoring record is a testament to his exceptional career and durability. As more athletes prioritize quality of life and strategic retirement, Kopitar's decision to retire while still capable of playing highlights the evolving landscape of NHL careers. His legacy as one of the Kings' all-time greats will be solidified if he can surpass Dionne's long-standing record.

The details

Kopitar has faced some challenges this season, including missing games due to injury for the first time in nearly two decades. Despite a career-low 28 points through 66 games, he's currently playing on a line with Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, a combination that has shown flashes of brilliance. Kopitar's teammates emphasize that his pursuit isn't driven by a desire to simply break a record, but by a commitment to the team's playoff aspirations.

  • Kopitar has 28 points (8 goals, 20 assists) as of March 14, 2026.
  • Kopitar needs just 2 more points to surpass Marcel Dionne's franchise record of 1,307 points.

The players

Anze Kopitar

A 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Kings who is on the verge of breaking the franchise's all-time scoring record held by Marcel Dionne.

Marcel Dionne

The current holder of the Los Angeles Kings' all-time scoring record with 1,307 points.

Adrian Kempe

A teammate of Kopitar's who is currently playing on a line with him and Artemi Panarin.

Artemi Panarin

A teammate of Kopitar's who is currently playing on a line with him and Adrian Kempe.

Drew Doughty

A longtime teammate of Kopitar's who believes Kopitar's decision to retire isn't due to a decline in skill, but rather the demanding physical toll of maintaining peak performance.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a very up and down year this year. In normal circumstances (the record) would have been behind me already, but we're here now, two away.”

— Anze Kopitar

“If you talk to him he'll share you he can still go, it's just all the off-ice operate that goes into it in the summer.”

— Drew Doughty, Teammate

“He is already the best King of all time, especially at forward. This solidifies it if he can break this record. In my mind he already is, but that's what it does.”

— Drew Doughty, Teammate

What’s next

The Kings will continue to monitor Kopitar's progress as he chases the franchise scoring record in the final games of the season. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can surpass Marcel Dionne's long-standing mark.

The takeaway

Anze Kopitar's pursuit of the Los Angeles Kings' all-time scoring record exemplifies the evolving landscape of NHL careers, where players are increasingly prioritizing quality of life and strategic retirement over prolonged competition. His decision to retire while still capable of playing highlights the importance of maintaining peak performance and the physical toll it can take.