Anaheim Ducks Name Mikael Granlund Team Captain

At 34, it is unclear where he stands in the sport after his contract expires. He may be able to sign on for another season or two, depending on his health and performance, but he is not a long-term captain for the Ducks.

Lately, the team seems to value selecting older, more seasoned players, like Gudas, as short-term captains over a younger player who could serve in the role for years upon years, as Getzlaf did. Anaheim will be looking for a new captain again in just a few seasons, but in the meantime, Granlund will serve the role well.

Speaking on Granlund’s Captaincy

His teammates and coaches have nothing but positive remarks regarding Granlund and his captaincy. General manager Pat Verbeek noted that, “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.”

He added, “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.”

Goaltender Lukas Dostal remarked on his teammate at the European Player Media Tour. “He’s an incredible player. You can put him on the power play, you can put him on the…center, left wing, right wing, it almost doesn’t matter for him. He plays the same way and plays a very, very good game. He’s a great leader. Honestly, he’s a great leader. … In the big moments, he stepped up in the locker room.”

Clearly, he has already shown captain-like leadership and fit right into the team from the jump last season. Naming him captain seems like his destiny. Granlund also served as captain of Finland’s national team at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, leading his team to bronze. He also led his nation at the 2018 and 2024 World Championships.

“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 Pat, 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 will play his first game as team captain on Oct. 2 as Anaheim visits the Vegas Golden Knights.