Mikael Granlund Named Anaheim Ducks Captain
The 34-year-old forward takes on the leadership role as the 10th captain in franchise history.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Should professional sports teams prioritize veteran leadership over developing young star talent?
The Anaheim Ducks have appointed Mikael Granlund as their new team captain. He steps into the role as the 10th captain in the history of the franchise.
Why it matters
The team management selected Granlund for his leadership and mentorship qualities to guide the roster. This move solidifies the leadership group following the departure of Radko Gudas to the Florida Panthers.
Granlund brings 651 career points across 960 games to his new role. He is the fifth NHL captain named in September 2026, amid six remaining vacancies across the league.
The players
Mikael Granlund
He is a 34-year-old veteran forward who has recorded 651 points in 960 career NHL games.
Leo Carlsson
He is a forward for the Ducks who recently signed a five-year contract worth $90 million.
Radko Gudas
He is a veteran defenseman who departed the Anaheim organization to join the Florida Panthers.
The details
The Ducks also appointed Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, Jackson LaCombe, and Troy Terry as alternate captains to round out the leadership group. The organization recently secured Carlsson with a five-year, $90 million contract after matching an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers.
Timeline
Mikael Granlund was named team captain on September 22, 2026.
Granlund won an Olympic bronze medal with the Finnish team in February 2026.
Season Trajectory
This leadership shift marks the start of a new era for the Ducks as they look to integrate veteran guidance with a core group of alternate captains. The decision stabilizes the roster hierarchy following the departure of key veteran talent during the offseason.
The formalization of the leadership group provides stability for the team's rotation throughout the upcoming season. Fans and analysts can now expect a clear hierarchy on the ice regarding on-field decision-making and mentor roles.
The takeaway
The appointment of a veteran captain serves as a focal point for team culture during a period of transition. Fans should monitor how this new leadership group influences the performance of younger core players like Leo Carlsson.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves, visit Anaheim Hockey.
Live Poll
Should professional sports teams prioritize veteran leadership over developing young star talent?
