TORONTO - Drew Doughty wanted to have a conversation about the future. The Los Angeles Kings defenceman was looking to convince his captain to shelve talk of calling it a career.

Anze Kopitar was having none of it.

"I did this summer," Doughty said with a smile when asked if he tried to change his teammate's mind. "And then he announced it. I'm leaving him alone now."

Kopitar dropped his retirement news in September, letting the NHL and wider hockey world know that the 2025-26 season would be his last. The veteran centre is now doing his best to soak up this final twirl around the league.

"I told myself I was going to try to enjoy it," said the 38-year-old Slovenian. "Take it all in."

Kopitar — a two-time Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's top defensive forward — helped the Kings to the

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