NHL Notebook: Kopitar retiring after 2025-26 season, an update on Pietrangelo, and more

The Kings held a press conference last Thursday, sharing the news ahead of training camp. Kopitar was drafted 11th overall by the Kings in the 2005 draft, and has made an impact on the Kings from his rookie season. The then 19-year-old scored 20 goals and 61 points in 71 games, earning himself fourth in the Calder Trophy voting.

From the moment he took the ice for the first time in a Kings jersey, he became a problem for opposing teams. Through his 19 seasons, Kopitar has finished with above a 0.80 point-per-game pace (2016-17, 52 points in 76 games and 2018-19, 60 points in 81 games), in 17 of them. His career totals stack up among the NHL great, with his 440 goals (76th), 838 assists (28th) and 1,278 points (40th) in 1,454 games (36th). If he is to play a full 82-game season, Kopitar would move in the top 20 for all time games played.

The Slovenian has been a leader in Los Angeles since he dawned the A in 2008-09, and has captained the team since 2016-17. Kopitar scored 17 goals and 60 points in 71 career games against the Canucks. While Vancouverites will be happy they won’t have to face the 6’3″ centre after this season, they will undoubtable honour Kopitar’s legendary 20-year career.

Although, Kopitar might not be the only one who calls it a career at the end of this season.

Pair of Russians undecided if 2025-26 will be their final season

Alex Ovechkin

According to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti, Alex Ovechkin has not yet decided on his future post 2025-26.

“I don’t know. Do you know?” Ovechkin told Gulitti after the first practice of training camp Thursday. “I don’t know if this is going to be the last or if [not]. We’ll see.”

Ovechkin, 40, is in the final year of his five-year, $47.5 million contract, paying him $9.5 million annually. 2024-25 was a big season for the Russian, as he broke Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record, scoring his 895th against fellow countryman Ilya Sorokin. This upcoming season will only see Ovechkin add to his 897 goals and further cement his lead as the best goal scorer in league history.

There were rumours Ovechkin might want to return to Russian and play the final few years of professional hockey in the KHL. So, if this is the final year of Ovechkin in the NHL, Canucks fans will get one more opportunity to see him live in action when the Washington Capitals visit Rogers Arena on January 21.

Evgeni Malkin

When speaking with Sportsnet’s Dan Potash, Malkin was also non-committal that this would be his final year in the NHL.

“It depends on how the season goes,” Malkin said. “If we play great, I play great, I feel confidence in my game, why not one more? … I’m still hungry. I’m glad to be here this year.”

He later shared that you never know what happens throughout the season, but he hopes he stays in Pittsburgh, sharing that if he played his full career with the Penguins he’s be “famous forever”.

Malkin, 39, is entering his 20th season, spending all of his time as a member of the Penguins. Throughout his career, Malkin has been an outstanding running mate with Sidney Crosby, capturing three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017), two Art Ross trophies (2009, 2012), one Calder trophy (2007), Conn Smythe trophy (2009) and Hart trophy (2012). His 1,346 points in 1,213 games has him 31st in all-time scoring, and a 45+ point season will move him to the top 25 in NHL history.

With the Penguins heading fast into a rebuild, Malkin could be moved a trade chip closer to the NHL trade deadline if his desire is to chance another Stanley Cup. However, by his words, it sounds like he wants to be a Penguin for life and retire in Pittsburgh, whether that be this year or not.

Pietrangelo update

According to the Athletic’s Jesse Granger, Alex Pietrangelo has not completely ruled out a return after stepping away from hockey due to serious hip injuries:

“Nothing is really concrete,” Pietrangelo told Granger on Monday. “I’m just going to continue taking it day by day and go through my process, and see where it goes.”

Shortly after the 2024-25 season, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that Pietrangelo would miss the entire 2025-26 season, and reportedly his entire career. However, the 35-year-old defenceman has not shut the door on a potential return, even though it might not be this season.

Pietrangelo’s $8.8 million cap hit coming off the books helped Vegas trade for and sign Mitch Marner. But the loss on the blueline will be felt, as Pietrangelo logged big minutes (22:24) per game in 2024-25. With the Golden Knights being perennial contenders, this decision was not easy for the Ontario native to make. He chose to forgo surgery for his injuries, and hopes that time and rehabilation will bring him back to full health and a return to the NHL.