Granlund Takes over Ducks Captaincy Ahead of 2026-27 Opener
Mikael Granlund assumes the leadership role for Anaheim just ten days before the new season begins.
Key points
- Mikael Granlund was named Anaheim Ducks captain on Tuesday, replacing Radko Gudas who was traded to Florida.
- The 34-year-old forward helped the Ducks reach the playoffs last season with 41 points in 58 games.
- Granlund previously captained Team Finland to a bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The announcement lands on a Tuesday, ten days before the first puck drops. Mikael Granlund now wears the C on his jersey, a quiet shift in hierarchy that settles over the Anaheim locker room. It is a physical change, a letter stitched onto the fabric, signaling a new era for a franchise hungry for stability.
At 34, the forward enters his second year with the Ducks after signing a three-year deal in July. Last season, he banked 41 points in 58 games, helping guide the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017-18. They knocked out the Edmonton Oilers before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights, a run that set the stage for this leadership transition.
Replacing Gudas in the Hierarchy
Granlund steps into the void left by Radko Gudas, who was traded to the Florida Panthers for A.J. Greer in late June. The move reshapes the defensive anchor, but it also clears the path for the forward to take the helm. It is a calculated swap of roles, trading one pillar of structure for another.
He is not walking alone. Four alternate captains will share the burden, including forwards Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, and Troy Terry, along with defenseman Jackson LaCombe. This distributed leadership model aims to spread the weight across the roster, ensuring no single individual carries the full load of expectation.
Olympic Bronze Medalist Leads
Granlund’s resume extends far beyond the NHL ice. He captained Team Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, steering the squad to a bronze medal. That international spotlight adds a layer of prestige to his local command. He has already proven he can manage high-pressure environments on the world stage.
Teammates speak of his versatility. Goalie Lukas Dostal noted that Granlund plays the same way regardless of his position, whether on the power play, penalty kill, or wings. His consistency is his currency, a reliable engine that keeps the team moving forward even when the game gets chaotic.
Verbeek Cites Quiet Intensity
General Manager Pat Verbeek describes Granlund as a natural fit for the club’s current trajectory. He points to the forward’s professionalism and humility, traits that resonate in a diverse locker room. Verbeek sees a leader who embodies mentorship and quiet intensity, qualities that help unify varied personalities.
With six other NHL teams still searching for their own captains, Anaheim’s move stands out as decisive. The Ducks open their 2026-27 season in Vegas on October 2. Granlund will be there, the C on his chest, ready to lead the charge into the new campaign.
