Mikael Granlund was named captain of the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, 10 days before they play their first game of the 2026-27 season.
The 34-year-old forward is entering his second season with the Ducks after signing a three-year contract on July 1, 2025. He had 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 58 regular-season games and 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games last season, helping Anaheim reach the postseason for the first time since 2017-18. The Ducks eliminated the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference First Round before being eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Granlund replaces Radko Gudas, who was traded to the Florida Panthers on June 26 for A.J. Greer.
“This is an incredible honor to be the captain of the Anaheim Ducks and join the many other great captains in the organization’s history,” Granlund said. “I am grateful to (general manager) Pat (Verbeek), the coaching staff and the other players in this locker room to trust me with this responsibility.
“We have many quality leaders already on this team and great teammates to help this entire group represent the Ducks on the ice and in our community.”
Granlund served as Team Finland captain at the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping his country take home the bronze medal.
Anaheim will have four alternate captains -- forwards Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn and Troy Terry, and defenseman Jackson LaCombe.
A first-round pick (No. 9) by the Minnesota Wild at the 2010 NHL Draft, Granlund has 651 points (198 goals, 453 assists) in 960 regular-season games with the Wild, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and the Ducks, and 52 points (21 goals, 31 assists) in 89 playoff games.
“Mikael has been a strong leader in our locker room and with his national team over the years, and he is a natural fit with where we are as a hockey club,” Verbeek said. “Both our management group and coaching staff have seen how he leads by example and exemplifies how a captain carries themselves on and off the ice.
“He personifies the professionalism, humility, mentorship and quiet intensity that will lead the various personalities of our group.”
Anaheim plays its season opener at Vegas on Oct. 2.
Six NHL teams are without a captain: the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks.
