Anaheim Ducks name Mikael Granlund 10th captain in franchise history

The Anaheim Ducks named the 10th captain in franchise history on Tuesday, Sept. 22, going with a veteran ahead of their high-paid youngster. Mikael Granlund, 34, replaces Radko Gudas, who left in free agency to return to the Florida Panthers. Granlund was captain of the Finnish Olympic team, winning

Hockey Hub

SEE ALL

Trendline

NHL Expands 'Veteran' Definition, Impacts Seattle Kraken Preseason Roster Strategy

AP News

PWHL hires hockey attorney Alison Izzi to take over as general manager of Vancouver Goldeneyes

Rapid Read

NHL and Norwegian Cruise Line Partner with Force Blue for Ocean Conservation Project

What is the story about?

The Anaheim Ducks named the 10th captain in franchise history on Tuesday, Sept. 22, going with a veteran ahead of their high-paid youngster.

Mikael Granlund, 34, replaces Radko Gudas, who left in free agency to return to the Florida Panthers.

Granlund was captain of the Finnish Olympic team, winning a bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Games. He signed a three-year deal with the Ducks in 2005 and has two years left on his contract.

He ranks ninth all-time among Finnish NHL players with 651 points in 960 career games.

“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," Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. "He personifies the professionalism, humility,

mentorship and quiet intensity that will lead the various personalities of our group.”

Forward Leo Carlsson, 21, who signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers that the Ducks matched, will be part of the leadership group.

He was one of four alternate captains named on Tuesday, joining Alex Killorn, Jackson LaCombe and Troy Terry.

List of NHL captains

Granlund is the fifth NHL captain named this month, joining the Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty, Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard, New York Islanders' Bo Horvat and the St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas. Here is a list of the 26 NHL captains and the six vacancies.