Thirteen years after his NHL debut, veteran Mikael Granlund assumes the mantle of leadership for a surging Anaheim squad, bringing his extensive international captaincy experience to the Ducks.
Former Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund has added another accomplishment to what has become a lengthy NHL career.
The Anaheim Ducks announced Tuesday that Granlund has been named the 10th captain in franchise history. He takes over the role previously held by defenseman Radko Gudas, who was traded to the Florida Panthers during the offseason.
Granlund, 34, is entering his second season with Anaheim after signing a three-year contract with the Ducks in July 2025.
The veteran forward recorded 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 58 games last season. He added five goals and 10 points in 12 playoff games as Anaheim returned to the postseason.
Minnesota selected the Finnish forward with the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2012-13 season and spent parts of seven seasons with the Wild.
Granlund recorded 93 goals and 224 assists for 317 points in 461 regular-season games with Minnesota. He added eight goals and 21 points in 39 playoff games.
His best NHL season came with the Wild in 2016-17, when he produced 26 goals and a career-high 69 points. He followed that with another 67-point season in 2017-18.
Granlund's time in Minnesota came to an end at the 2019 trade deadline when the Wild traded him to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Kevin Fiala.
Since leaving Minnesota, Granlund has played for Nashville, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Dallas and now Anaheim.
The captaincy in Anaheim is also not Granlund's first experience wearing the "C." He served as Finland's captain at the 2026 Winter Olympics and previously captained Finland at the 2012 World Junior Championship.
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