Who Should Be the LA Kings Next Captain?

Doughty wearing the “C” would make a ton of sense to bridge the gap before the next Kings captain is chosen. The organization could reward a franchise face who has sacrificed his blood, sweat, and tears before the next generation develops into a new core group. With two Cup rings, two Olympic gold medals, and a silver medal, a Norris Trophy, while playing huge minutes in every situation, Doughty has led his team confidently since 2008-09.

The downside is the timeline. Doughty is deep into his career. By the time Kopitar retires, the organization might decide it wants to look to the future rather than move the “C” twice in quick succession. Still, if the room decides they want another familiar voice in charge, Doughty would be the next captain.

Kings’ Locker Room Needs a Leader Post-Kopitar

The captaincy is less about one voice and more about leadership by committee. The Kings already operate that way, with Kopitar, Doughty, Adrian Kempe, and others sharing pieces of the leadership load. So, it’s possible that the letters will be spread out early on in the next era of leadership, with Doughty wearing the “C,” Kempe or Kevin Fiala wearing an “A,” and a younger cornerstone, someone like Brandt Clarke, also wearing an “A.”

As the roster evolves and the balance shifts, the team could naturally slide the “C” to younger talent when the time feels right. It’s not as dramatic or noticeable, but it is very much in line with how the Kings have handled transitions in the past: slowly, deliberately, and with a focus on continuity into the future.

Kings Transition Into a New Era

The next captain will have to embody a few “unspoken rules” that have defined the Kings’ best years. The first non-negotiable is a two‑way buy‑in. This franchise has always been at its peak when its best players care as much about defending as scoring.

The next captain would be a calm and steady presence under chaos. The Kings’ biggest wins under Kopitar came in high‑stress situations. The new captain will need the same ability to settle the bench when things are falling apart and must be able to persevere.

Finally, they must have a strong work ethic, accountability, and dedication to the next era. The team’s Cup-winning seasons in 2012 and 2014 weren’t built easily. They were built on grinding shifts and keeping each other honest. That cannot change as the Kings look to a new era of hockey.

Because of that, the job probably won’t be about being the loudest and most opinionated voice in the room or the biggest name on the scoresheet. It will be about blending the old culture with new expectations, such as more speed, offense, and visibility in a crowded Hollywood sports market.

If the Kings want a short‑term, legacy captain the moment Kopitar steps away, Doughty is the obvious choice, if he’s still playing. If the goal is to make a clean break with their old identity, a young, long‑term talent could get the nod earlier than expected.

Whatever the path, we know the handoff will be thoughtful, not rushed. The Kings have treated the “C” with real weight and respect for years, and replacing Kopitar won’t be easy. When that next captain skates out at Crypto.com Arena, it won’t just mark the end of an era, but it will signal exactly what kind of team the Kings plan to be in the next one.