Drew Doughty becomes captain of the Kings after Anze Kopitar's retirement
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 1:18 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Drew Doughty has been named the next captain of the Los Angeles Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar, who recently retired. Announced on September 16, Doughty, an 18-year veteran and franchise leader among defensemen in key statistics, expressed his honor and commitment to continue competing at a high level. He has played a pivotal role in the Kings' two Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. The team also appointed Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, and Mikey Anderson as alternate captains as they prepare for the upcoming season, which sees significant changes in leadership.
- •Doughty is the 15th captain in Kings' history.
- •He has served as an alternate captain since the 2015-16 season.
- •Doughty holds numerous franchise records among defensemen.
- •The Kings open training camp on September 17.
- •Team also announces alternate captains Panarin, Kempe, and Anderson.
- 1:18 AMYahoo Sports — Kings name Drew Doughty as next captain
- 1:11 AMYahoo Sports — Drew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar
"Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, inheriting the leadership position left vacant by Anze Kopitar's retirement. The 36-year-old Doughty is the franchise leader among defensemen in numerous categories, including goals, assists, points and games played and was a key piece in their Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. “Being named captain of an NHL team is something I’m truly honored by, and it’s something I take great pride in,” Doughty said in a statement released by the team.
"The Los Angeles Kings announced on Wednesday that 18-year veteran defenseman Drew Doughty will be the next captain following the retirement of Anze Kopitar.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 1:18 AMKings name Drew Doughty as next captain
The Los Angeles Kings announced on Wednesday that 18-year veteran defenseman Drew Doughty will be the next captain following the retirement of Anze Kopitar.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 1:11 AMDrew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar
Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, inheriting the leadership position left vacant by Anze Kopitar's retirement. The 36-year-old Doughty is the franchise leader among defensemen in numerous categories, including goals, assists, points and games played and was a key piece in their Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. “Being named captain of an NHL team is something I’m truly honored by, and it’s something I take great pride in,” Doughty said in a statement released by the team.
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