The Ducks have handed the captain’s C to Mikael Granlund, making the center the 10th captain in franchise history.
Granlund steps into a leadership group that also features four alternate captains: Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, Jackson LaCombe and Troy Terry. Each of those players has already worn an “A” for Anaheim.
“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,” said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek. “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.”
At 34, Granlund brings a long resume of leadership experience beyond the NHL. He captained Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Milano-Cortina, as well as the 2018 and 2024 World Championships. He helped Finland win bronze at the 2026 Olympics and gold at the 2026 World Championship.
“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,” said Granlund. “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’s place in the NHL record book among Finnish players is already well established. He has 198 goals and 453 assists for 651 points in 960 career games with Anaheim, Dallas, San Jose, Pittsburgh, Nashville and Minnesota.
Among active Finnish players, he ranks third in points and assists and fourth in goals. All-time, he sits ninth among Finnish NHL players in points and assists.
The Ducks signed Granlund to a three-year contract on July 1, 2025, and he delivered in his first season in Anaheim. The 5-foot-10, 192-pound forward put up 19 goals and 22 assists for 58 points in 58 games last season, then added 10 points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games, tied for the team lead in postseason goals with five.
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