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What is Anze Kopitar's net worth and salary?
Anze Kopitar is a Slovenian professional hockey player who has a net worth of $70 million.
Anže Kopitar is a Slovenian professional hockey player who built a Hall of Fame-caliber career as the longtime captain and franchise cornerstone of the Los Angeles Kings. Widely regarded as one of the most complete two-way centers of his generation, Kopitar combined elite offensive production with shutdown defensive play, earning multiple Selke Trophy honors as the NHL's best defensive forward. Over a career that spanned two decades, he became the face of hockey in Los Angeles, leading the Kings to two Stanley Cup championships and helping transform the franchise into a consistent contender. Known for his size, intelligence, and consistency, Kopitar was a perennial All-Star and one of the most respected leaders in the league. His durability and loyalty were equally notable, as he spent his entire NHL career with one team, a rarity in the modern era. By the time he played his final NHL games on April 26, 2026, Kopitar had cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Kings history and one of the most accomplished European-born players in NHL history.
Early Life
Anže Kopitar was born on August 24, 1987, in Jesenice, then part of Yugoslavia, now Slovenia. He grew up in a hockey family, with his father Matjaž Kopitar serving as both a player and coach. From a young age, Anže showed advanced skill and hockey IQ, training under his father's guidance and quickly emerging as one of Slovenia's top prospects.
Because Slovenia did not have a strong hockey development system at the time, Kopitar moved abroad as a teenager to pursue higher-level competition. He played junior hockey in Sweden, where he refined his game against elite European talent. His performance there caught the attention of NHL scouts, setting the stage for his eventual leap to North America.
NHL Career
Kopitar was selected 11th overall in the 2005 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the highest-drafted Slovenian player in league history. He made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in his NHL debut and finishing his rookie season with 61 points.
Over the next several years, Kopitar developed into one of the league's premier centers. His combination of size, vision, and defensive responsibility made him a matchup nightmare. He consistently led the Kings in scoring while also taking on the toughest defensive assignments.
The pinnacle of his career came during the Kings' championship runs in 2012 and 2014. Kopitar was instrumental in both Stanley Cup victories, leading all players in scoring during the 2012 playoffs and anchoring the team's dominant two-way system. These championships solidified his status as one of the elite players of his era.
In 2016, Kopitar was named team captain, succeeding Dustin Brown. Under his leadership, the Kings remained competitive, and he continued to perform at a high level well into his 30s. He earned multiple Selke Trophy wins and was widely praised for his professionalism, leadership, and consistency.
By the time of his retirement in April 2026, Kopitar ranked among the Kings' all-time leaders in games played, goals, assists, and points, making him arguably the greatest player in franchise history.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings
Over the course of his career, Anže Kopitar earned an estimated $143,250,000 in salary from NHL contracts alone, placing him among the top five highest-earning players in league history.
Kopitar signed four major contracts during his career, all with the Los Angeles Kings, reflecting both his elite performance and long-term loyalty to the franchise.
His entry-level contract, signed in 2005, was a three-year deal worth $2.55 million, though performance bonuses pushed his total earnings from that contract to over $3.5 million.
In 2008, he signed his first major extension, a seven-year, $47.6 million deal that carried an average annual value of $6.8 million. This contract covered both his restricted and early unrestricted free agent years and established him as a cornerstone player.
Following the Kings' Stanley Cup success, Kopitar signed a massive eight-year, $80 million extension in January 2016. With a $10 million annual cap hit, it was one of the richest deals in the NHL at the time and rewarded him for his role as the team's franchise leader. The contract was heavily front-loaded with signing bonuses.
In July 2023, Kopitar agreed to a final two-year, $14 million extension, carrying a $7 million annual cap hit. This deal kept him with the Kings through the 2025–26 season, allowing him to finish his career with the only NHL team he ever played for.
Anze Kopitar: Salary History
| Season & Contract Phase | Total Cash Earned & Cap Hit |
|---|---|
| 2006–07 Entry-Level (Yr 1) | ~$1,100,000 (inc. bonuses) Cap Hit: $850,000 |
| 2007–08 Entry-Level (Yr 2) | ~$1,100,000 (inc. bonuses) Cap Hit: $850,000 |
| 2008–09 Entry-Level (Yr 3) | ~$1,450,000 (inc. bonuses) Cap Hit: $850,000 |
| 2009–10 7-Year Ext. (Yr 1) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2010–11 7-Year Ext. (Yr 2) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2011–12 7-Year Ext. (Yr 3) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2012–13 7-Year Ext. (Yr 4) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2013–14 7-Year Ext. (Yr 5) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2014–15 7-Year Ext. (Yr 6) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2015–16 7-Year Ext. (Yr 7) | $6,800,000 Cap Hit: $6,800,000 |
| 2016–17 8-Year Ext. (Yr 1) | $14,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2017–18 8-Year Ext. (Yr 2) | $13,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2018–19 8-Year Ext. (Yr 3) | $12,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2019–20 8-Year Ext. (Yr 4) | $11,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2020–21 8-Year Ext. (Yr 5) | $8,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2021–22 8-Year Ext. (Yr 6) | $8,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2022–23 8-Year Ext. (Yr 7) | $7,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2023–24 8-Year Ext. (Yr 8) | $7,000,000 Cap Hit: $10,000,000 |
| 2024–25 2-Year Ext. (Yr 1) | $7,000,000 Cap Hit: $7,000,000 |
| 2025–26 2-Year Ext. (Yr 2) | $7,000,000 Cap Hit: $7,000,000 |
Total = $143 million
International Career
Kopitar also played a crucial role in elevating Slovenian hockey on the international stage. He represented Slovenia in multiple IIHF World Championships and helped lead the country to qualification for the Winter Olympics.
He served as team captain for Slovenia and was widely credited with inspiring a new generation of players from a country not traditionally known for hockey. His international success further enhanced his reputation as one of the most important European players of his era.
Legacy
Anže Kopitar's legacy is defined by excellence, consistency, and loyalty. As a two-time Stanley Cup champion, multiple-time Selke Trophy winner, and longtime captain of the Los Angeles Kings, he helped transform the franchise into a modern powerhouse.
Beyond statistics, Kopitar was respected league-wide for his professionalism and complete style of play. He excelled in every situation, from scoring and playmaking to penalty killing and defensive matchups.
His impact extended beyond Los Angeles, as he became a trailblazer for Slovenian hockey and a symbol of international growth in the NHL. By the time he stepped away from the game in April 2026, Kopitar had secured his place among the greatest two-way forwards in hockey history and as one of the defining players of his generation.
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