ANAHEIM — The Anaheim Ducks announced Tuesday that Mikael Granlund has been named the team’s new captain, making him the 10th player in franchise history to hold the title. Granlund, a veteran Finnish forward, steps into the leadership position after defenseman Radko Gudas, who served as captain for two seasons, was traded to Florida during the summer. The team also appointed four alternate captains, including rising stars Leo Carlsson and Jackson LaCombe, who join Troy Terry and Alex Killorn in supporting the leadership group.
Granlund, 34, is heading into only his second season with the Ducks, having signed a three-year contract as a free agent in 2025. He quickly established himself with the team, contributing 19 goals and 22 assists last season. His performance played a significant role in ending the Ducks’ seven-season playoff drought, and he subsequently tied for the team lead with five postseason goals.
His leadership experience extends beyond the NHL, as Granlund has also served as the captain for Finland’s national team. He led the Finnish squad at the 2026 Olympics and in two world championships, where Finland secured the bronze medal at the Milan Cortina Games.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressed confidence in the appointment, noting Granlund’s long-standing leadership in the locker room and with his national team. Verbeek indicated that Granlund is a natural fit for the hockey club’s current stage, highlighting that both management and coaching staff have observed his ability to lead by example and exemplify the conduct of a captain both on and off the ice. Verbeek added that Granlund embodies professionalism, humility, mentorship, and a quiet intensity essential for leading a diverse group of players.
Granlund acknowledged the appointment, stating it is an incredible honor to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks and to join the organization’s lineage of great captains. He conveyed his gratitude to Pat Verbeek, the coaching staff, and his teammates for entrusting him with the responsibility. Granlund also recognized the existing quality leaders and teammates within the group who will help represent the Ducks on the ice and within the community.
Granlund’s NHL career began with Minnesota in January 2013. The versatile two-way forward has also played for Nashville, Pittsburgh, San Jose, and Dallas, achieving at least 50 points in six different seasons during his 14-year tenure in the league.
The Ducks are heading into the upcoming season with high expectations after reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last spring under coach Joel Quenneville. The team’s talented young core is anticipated to show further improvement. However, Verbeek did not make major additions to the roster, instead parting ways with several players including Gudas, Mason McTavish, Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, and Olen Zellweger. Anaheim was compelled to terminate Kreider’s contract due to what was described as Verbeek’s much-criticized handling of contract negotiations involving young stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, as well as defenseman Pavel Mintyukov.
Historically, Ryan Getzlaf served as the Ducks’ captain for 12 seasons until his retirement in 2022. The team then operated without a captain for the subsequent two seasons, with Verbeek opting not to appoint an on-ice leader before choosing Gudas in 2024. Previous captains for the Ducks include notable names such as Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne, Chris Pronger, and Scott Niedermayer.
The Ducks are scheduled to open their regular season on October 2, playing against Vegas. Their home opener is set for October 4, when they will face the Panthers.
