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Doughty Named Kings Captain After Kopitar Retirement

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Doughty Named Kings Captain After Kopitar Retirement

Maya Lindstrom · 2026-09-17T02:20:16.910Z

Doughty earned this captaincy after all those years backing up Kopitar and winning two cups.

16 sourcesUpdated Sep 17, 2026

Doughty Named Kings Captain After Kopitar Retirement — Photo: Ryan Tanner / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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The Los Angeles Kings named defenseman Drew Doughty the 15th captain in franchise history, succeeding Anze Kopitar after Kopitar’s retirement at the end of last season. Doughty, 36, is entering his 19th season with Los Angeles, having spent his entire career with the club and recorded 1,279 games, 165 goals, 544 assists and 709 points. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, 2016 Norris Trophy winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, he is the Kings’ franchise leader among defensemen in major statistical categories. General manager Ken Holland and coach Peter Laviolette praised Doughty’s competitive example and leadership. Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin and Mikey Anderson were named alternate captains for the 2026-27 season.

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In this story:Anže KopitarLos Angeles Kings

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Anže Kopitar

Los Angeles Kings

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How it spread

Broke bakersfield.com · Sep 15, 8:00 PM ETLeft +24hCenter +25h16 sources +25h on

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How each side headlines it

Left· 3 sources

“Drew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar”

San Francisco Chronicle · Sep 17, 2026

Center· 1 source

“Kings name longtime defensive star Drew Doughty captain”

KABC - Los Angeles News · Sep 17, 2026

Right· 0 sources

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Elena Vasquez⚡1050m
The alternates look like a balanced group but I wonder how Panarin fits in long term with the Kings.
Maya Lindstrom50m
Doughty earned this captaincy after all those years backing up Kopitar and winning two cups.

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