Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Kings captain Anze Kopitar to return sooner than previously thought

Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors | By Brian La Rose | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 3:43 PM ET

It turns out that Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar’s foot injury wasn’t as serious as they initially assumed.

Originally given a week-to-week diagnosis barely a week ago, he’s already ready to return as the team announced that Kopitar has been activated off injured reserve.

It’s expected he’ll return to the lineup Saturday night against the Nashville Predators and play alongside Andrei Kuzmenko and Adrian Kempe.

The 38-year-old wound up missing just four games due to the injury with the Kings faring relatively well without him, posting a 2-1-1 record in that stretch, finding themselves just a point out of a playoff spot. Still, having their top center available to them, one who plays in all situations, will be a nice boost.

The @LAKings have activated forward Anze Kopitar from injured reserve (IR).
— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) October 25, 2025

This is Anze Kopitar's final NHL season

Kopitar was off to a strong start to his 20th and final NHL season before the injury, picking up four assists in as many games while logging 18:45 of ice time per game.

While his offensive output has dipped slightly in recent years, he’s still coming off a 67-point effort last season, and given his usage in the early going this season, there’s no reason to think he can’t be similarly impactful in 2025-26.

Los Angeles had an open roster spot prior to the activation, so no corresponding roster move needed to be made. Meanwhile, at first glance, it’s likely to be one of Alex Turcotte or Jeff Malott who loses their spot in the lineup to make room for Kopitar’s return.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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