There comes a time when NHL players have to hang up their skates, shoot the final shot, and take off the jersey for one last time. As we enter the 2025-26 season, center Anze Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty are two names to watch. Their careers are winding down, and they are not getting any younger. They have both enjoyed great success, both individually and with the team, but are they entering their final NHL seasons?
Kopitar has been nothing but professional over his 10-year career. Consistency is what one would describe his career and he has put in the same effort to be the best he can year in and year out. His offensive production has slipped a bit but his numbers have also shown consistency over his stories career. he is still centering the top line, still mentoring the younger players, and still the definition of a leader. He lets his play speak for itself and his demeanor has not changed much since his NHL debut. He is entering the last year of his current contract.
Doughty has also been consistent throughout his NHL career. His 17-year career with the Kings has been full of ups and downs, primarily due to his aging and play in the defensive zone. His offensive production has been good throughout his career and he has been able to quarterback the top power play. The only criticism of his career has been the last contract he signed as it was an 8-year/ $88 million deal and most think he was grossly overpaid. With that said he continues to go out and give his best on the ice and still wants to be the best defenseman in the league. He will be entering year seven of eight on his contract but we cannot help but wonder if he and Kopitar will go out together.
Whether they go out at the same time or a year apart we should take the time to appreciate their greatness while we still can. Both will go down as two of the top players in franchise history and both have lived up to their contracts. Both have the opportunity to be an assistant coach when they retire but we have to hold onto hope they will sign one more contract. This could be the last two years of Doughty and Kopitar and if it is what a ride it is been.
photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley
Photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley
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