In the game of hockey, there is no greater show of respect than to be named captain of your team. So few hold that honor, and once named to that honor, that player holds a world of responsibilities. From Bob Wall to Anze Kopitar, there have been 14 players to wear the ‘C’ in the history of the LA Kings organization.
The most prolonged period for a player to wear the ‘C’ has been eight years, held by recently retired Dustin Brown, while the shortest time has been held by Rob Blake and Luc Robitaille, although Blake’s first stint was a long one.
Here’s a look at the top five captains in LA Kings history.
Dustin Brown
Right winger Dustin Brown was captain of the Kings from the 2008-09 season to the 2015-16 season. He was a captain should be and wore the “C” with pride. He did everything he could to uphold the franchise’s integrity and kept the roster motivated to push forward. Brown played 615 games as captain, scoring 153 goals and 188 assists for 341 points. He is the all-time leader in games played with 1,296 and is the first Kings player to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup. Brown is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and was also the recipient of the Messier Leadership Award in the 2013-14 season.
Anze Kopitar
Current captain and center Anze Kopitar has held that honor since the 2016-17 season. He has played 528 games as a captain, scoring 133 goals and 278 assists for 411 points. Kopitar is fourth all-time in King’s history with 1,067 points and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, and won the Lady Byng Trophy in the 2015-16 season. After the 2021-22 season, he was awarded the Mark Messier Leadership Award. Although he is not the most vocal captain Los Angeles has ever had, Kopitar brings veteran leadership and a strong work ethic that commands respect. He has good offensive production and a strong defensive game. A future Hall of Famer, he is a well-respected individual on and off the ice.
Mattias Norstrom
Defenseman Mattias Norstrom was Kings captain from 2001-02 until the 2006-07 season. During his captaincy, he played 374 games, contributing nine goals and 58 assists for 67 points. He is a two-time all-star and played with grit, leadership, and determination—a vital piece of the Kings defense the entire duration of his time as a King.
Rob Blake
Defenseman Rob Blake was captain from 1995-96 until 2001-02 and was captain again in 2007-08. He contributed 76 goals and 168 assists for 234 points during his 351 games as captain and is known as one of the hardest-hitting players in league history. The NHL Hall of Famer, and current LA Kings GM, is a Stanley Cup champion, a Norris Trophy winner, and a four-time all-star. Positionally sound and hitting like a truck, he set the tone early in his career.
Dave Taylor
Winger Dave Taylor captained the Kings from 1985-86 until 1988-89. During that time, he scored 103 goals and assisted on 160 for a total of 263 points in 281 games. He is the all-time leader in the +/- category with a +186. He is third all-time in franchise points with 1,069 points and was part of the famous “Triple Crown” line.
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