The Anaheim Ducks chose veteran forward Mikael Granlund as the 10th captain in team history on Tuesday. Granlund replaces defenseman Radko Gudas, who was traded to Florida during the summer after two seasons as captain. Anaheim also named four alternate captains, with rising stars Leo Carlsson and Jackson La Combe joining Troy Terry and Alex Killorn.

The 34-year-old Granlund is taking the top leadership spot as he heads into only his second season with the Ducks, who signed him to a three-year contract as a free agent in 2025. The 14-year NHL veteran clicked immediately with his new team, recording 19 goals and 22 assists last season while playing a major role in ending the Ducks' seven-season playoff drought. He subsequently scored five postseason goals, tied for the team lead.

Granlund also served as the captain of Finland's national team at the 2026 Olympics and at two world championships. Finland won the bronze medal at the Milan Cortina Games. "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," Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said.