Credit @Yahoo
The Los Angeles Kings have a new captain. Ahead of the next training camp, the club appointed longtime defenseman Drew Doughty as the 15th captain in franchise history, taking over from Anze Kopitar, who retired last year.
The move ends a decade-long chapter under Kopitar and places leadership firmly in the hands of one of the last remaining links to the team’s Stanley Cup years.
A Natural Succession
Doughty was drafted second overall in 2008 and has played in the NHL for his entire 18 seasons with the Kings. For years, he was an alternate captain with Kopitar and has long been regarded as a hub around the locker room.
His franchise totals in games played, goals, assists, and points highlight his role in team history, and adding two Stanley Cups (2012, 2014) has ensured his winning credentials. Kopitar captained for 10 seasons and had 20 seasons in Los Angeles.
When he retired, there was a definite vacancy. Doughty joins a long list of names that have made their mark in the era of modern Kings. Along with the new leadership group, alternate captains Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin and Mikey Anderson will follow suit.
What the Change Signals
The signing comes as the Kings are entering into their second season with a new coach and a balance of older and newer talent. Doughty has discussed playing tough all day and his love for the franchise.
The captaincy is a sign of recognition and responsibility to a player who’s known only one NHL home. The “C” that used to be on Doughty’s jersey will change when the 2026-27 season kicks off. Kopitar’s rule has come to an end. The Kings are looking to one of their own to set the standard and to lead the next chapter.
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