Doughty named Kings captain after Kopitar's retirement
The Kings have appointed defenseman Drew Doughty as the 15th captain in franchise history, succeeding the retired Anže Kopitar. Doughty, who has spent all 18 NHL seasons with Los Angeles, holds team records for defensemen in games, goals, assists and points. He will lead the team into training camp, with contract talks deferred until after the season.
Doughty's appointment marks a transition for Los Angeles, as he becomes the last active player from the club's championship era to hold the captaincy. His 1,279 games, 165 goals, 544 assists and 709 points all stand as franchise records for defensemen, reflecting two decades of consistent high-level performance. He previously served as alternate captain under both Kopitar and Dustin Brown.
The 36-year-old enters the final season of his current deal, with both sides agreeing to postpone extension talks until after the campaign. His international resume includes two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup of Hockey title with Canada. Kempe, Panarin and Anderson will serve as alternates under new coach Peter Laviolette.
Doughty's captaincy could resonate beyond the locker room, as he represents continuity for a fan base watching its championship core gradually retire. His leadership may shape how younger players develop and how the franchise navigates its post-Kopitar identity. The deferred contract talks could also influence team chemistry and trade speculation throughout the season, potentially affecting ticket sales, merchandise and fan engagement in Los Angeles.