The Anaheim Ducks named forward Mikael Granlund the 10th captain in franchise history on Tuesday, according to NHL.com. Granlund takes over the leadership role from Radko Gudas, who departed for the Florida Panthers via a June trade involving A.J. Greer, as the team prepares to open the 2026-27 season against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 2.
Mikael Granlund Steps Into Anaheim’s Leadership Role
Entering his second season with Anaheim after signing a three-year contract on July 1, 2025, the 34-year-old forward assumes the captaincy following a productive campaign. According to team records, Granlund recorded 41 points—including 19 goals and 22 assists—across 58 regular-season games last year. He added 10 points in 12 postseason contests, helping the Ducks secure their first playoff berth since the 2017-18 season, where they defeated the Edmonton Oilers before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights.
“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 in a team statement provided by NHL.com. “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.”
Management Rationale and Roster Context
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek pointed to Granlund’s extensive leadership background when explaining the appointment. According to Verbeek’s comments reported by NHL.com, the veteran forward “personifies the professionalism, humility, mentorship and quiet intensity that will lead the various personalities of our group.” Prior to joining Anaheim, Granlund served as captain for Team Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where he captured a bronze medal following a 6-1 victory against Slovakia.
Granlund ranks ninth all-time among Finnish NHL players, accumulating 651 points across 960 career regular-season games with the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and the Ducks, according to NHL.com. His international resume also features captaincies at the 2018 and 2024 World Championships.
Anaheim’s Complete Leadership Group for 2026-27
Alongside Granlund’s appointment, the Ducks named four alternate captains to round out the leadership corps for the upcoming season. The alternate roles went to forwards Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, and Troy Terry, alongside defenseman Jackson LaCombe. Carlsson, 21, remains a focal point of the young roster after the team matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers.
“He’s part of the veteran core. He’s an incredible player,” Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal said of Granlund during the European Player Media Tour in Munich, Germany, according to NHL.com. “You can put him on the power play, you can put him on the penalty kill, center, left wing, right wing, it almost doesn’t matter for him.”
Did you know? Mikael Granlund was originally selected in the first round (No. 9 overall) by the Minnesota Wild at the 2010 NHL Draft, according to league records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the captain of the Anaheim Ducks before Mikael Granlund?
Radko Gudas served as captain from 2024 until June 2026, when he was traded to the Florida Panthers, according to NHL.com.
How long is Mikael Granlund’s contract with Anaheim?
Granlund signed a three-year contract with the Ducks on July 1, 2025, leaving him with two seasons remaining on his current deal.
Which players serve as alternate captains for the Ducks?
Forwards Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, and Troy Terry, alongside defenseman Jackson LaCombe, serve as alternate captains for the 2026-27 season, according to NHL.com.
How many NHL teams currently lack a captain?
Six NHL franchises enter the season without a named captain: the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks.
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