Anze Kopitar will retire after this season, chasing one last deep run with the Kings while savoring every moment as captain in his 20th year. He wants his kids to experience the Cup moment and hopes a final title isn’t just a dream. Robitaille, already Hall of Famer and Kings president, reflects on a career capped by loyalty and leadership. The franchise stands at a crossroads after a strong season and a reshaped front office, with offseason signings and a search for a sustainable next chapter.

Meanwhile, the Kings’ legacy figures—Rob Blake and Ken Holland—navigate a post-cup core, while new pieces like Kuzmenko, Perry, Armia, and Dumoulin join, aiming to keep the playoff flame alive. The club faces voids beyond Kopitar, with the hockey landscape shifting in a league-wide context, setting the stage for emotional farewells, mentorship moments, and a high-stakes chase for another championship glow for a family of fans.

In Kopitar’s wake, the Kings seek continuity from a veteran-laden nucleus (Doughty, Fiala, Kempe, Byfield) while integrating fresh talent and preserving a competitive edge. The narrative blends a farewell tour with a roster-building puzzle, as a storied franchise hopes to convert meaningful nostalgia into new triumphs and a fresh sense of identity.

The NHL offseason has been unusually quiet, with scarce big money moves and limited chatter. That sets up a potentially active September as teams chase late signings that could suddenly reshape fantasy rosters and cap math.

Kirill Kaprizov’s rumored eight year extension at roughly 15–16 million per season would crown the market, and Leipold’s note that they’re not far off hints at a rapid next step after Kirill’s arrival. McDavid and Robertson also figure in roundups, underscoring a market primed for dramatic September moves.

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly interested in acquiring Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames if contract negotiations between Andersson and the Flames falter. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets face tough contract decisions with looming UFAs like Nikolaj Ehlers, who is projected for a lucrative deal, potentially affecting their top six. A bidding war could drive up the price for Ehlers, while the Jets prioritize signing Kyle Connor to a potential $11 million contract extension. Other contracts on the horizon include RFA defenseman Dylan Samberg and forward Gabriel Vilardi, complicating the Jets' offseason plans.

Switzerland's national hockey team delivered a decisive 3-0 victory over the United States in their Group B match at the Ice Hockey World Championship. This marked the USA's first loss of the tournament, disrupting their winning streak after previous victories against Denmark and Hungary. Damien Riat opened the scoring for Switzerland, followed by Jonas Siegenthaler and Dean Kukan. Leonardo Genoni, the Swiss goaltender, ensured the shutout by stopping 23 shots. Swiss forward Kevin Fiala contributed an assist in his first appearance, following his exit from the NHL playoffs with the Los Angeles Kings.

Despite the loss, the U.S. goalie Joey Daccord made 24 saves, showcasing his skills against a formidable Swiss offense. The Americans, who previously dominated their opponents, will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming match against Norway. This loss raises questions about their defense and adjustments needed moving forward in the tournament.