Kings news: LA announces new captain after Anze Kopitar's retirement
The Los Angeles Kings are without Anze Kopitar for the first time since his NHL debut in 2006-07. 20 years of reliable leadership and production are no more, with Kopitar having retired after the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, Los Angeles has named a new captain, and the honor goes to a longtime teammate of the former captain. The Kings have […] The post Kings news: LA announces new captain…
The Los Angeles Kings have announced Drew Doughty as their new captain following the retirement of Anze Kopitar after the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kopitar, who spent 20 years leading the team, will not return for the 2026-27 season. Doughty, a longtime Kings blueliner, will assume the captaincy to guide the team into a new era.
General manager Ken Holland praised Doughty's championship pedigree and leadership qualities, stating "Drew Doughty has earned this." Doughty, who has been with the Kings his entire career, won Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, and was named the NHL's top defenseman in 2015-16. He expressed his commitment to leading the team and setting the standard for future Kings. The Kings kick off their 2026-27 season on September 30 against the Colorado Avalanche.
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- Drew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar winnipegfreepress.com
- Drew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar sports.yahoo.com
