The Anaheim Ducks are hoping for another strong season in 2026-27. Anaheim is giving a special honor to NHL veteran Mikael Granlund. Granlund has been named the 10th team captain in franchise history, the Ducks announced.

“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,” Granlund said, per NHL.com. “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 is a veteran of the NHL who has skated for several clubs, including the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild. He spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Ducks, helping lead Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“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. “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.”

Article Continues Below

Granlund posted 41 points in 58 regular season games for Anaheim last season. He then skated very well in the playoffs, posting 10 points in the postseason.

Anaheim ended up losing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026 to the Vegas Golden Knights. Ducks fans hope that Granlund can help lead the club back to a deep playoff run this season.

Anaheim plays an NHL preseason game on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.