Drew Doughty becomes captain of the Kings after Anze Kopitar's retirement
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 1:19 AM
Last updated Sep 18, 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.
- 1:19 AMYahoo Sports — Drew Doughty fulfilling longtime desire as new Kings captain
- 4:24 PMYahoo Sports — Drew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar
- 1:18 AMYahoo Sports — Kings name Drew Doughty as next captain
- 12:33 AMNHL News — Drew Doughty Named 15th Captain In LA Kings History | Los Angeles Kings - nhl.com
- 12:09 AMlakingsinsider.com — Drew Doughty named 15th Captain in Kings History + Kempe, Anderson, Panarin named alternate captains - LA Kings Insider
"The LA Kings have announced defenseman Drew Doughty as the 15th captain in team history. Additionally, forwards Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, and defenseman Mikey Anderson will serve as alternate captains for the 2026-27 season. Doughty will be the seventh…
"The LA Kings announced today that defenseman Drew Doughty has been named as the 15th captain in team history. Additionally, defenseman Mikey Anderson, along with forwards Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, have been named as alternate captains for the 2026-27 s…
"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 18, 2026, 1:19 AMDrew Doughty fulfilling longtime desire as new Kings captain
One day after being announced as Kings captain, Drew Doughty got to reflect on his new role at an introductory press conference.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 4:24 PMDrew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar
Drew Doughty is the 15th captain in team history. He served as an alternate captain since 2016-17, when Anze Kopitar replaced Dustin Brown as captain.
- 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.
- NHL NewsSep 17, 2026, 12:33 AMDrew Doughty Named 15th Captain In LA Kings History | Los Angeles Kings - nhl.com
The LA Kings have announced defenseman Drew Doughty as the 15th captain in team history. Additionally, forwards Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, and defenseman Mikey Anderson will serve as alternate captains for the 2026-27 season. Doughty will be the seventh…
- lakingsinsider.comSep 17, 2026, 12:09 AMDrew Doughty named 15th Captain in Kings History + Kempe, Anderson, Panarin named alternate captains - LA Kings Insider
The LA Kings announced today that defenseman Drew Doughty has been named as the 15th captain in team history. Additionally, defenseman Mikey Anderson, along with forwards Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, have been named as alternate captains for the 2026-27 s…
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