Drew Doughty has been named the new captain of the Los Angeles Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar following his retirement. The 36-year-old defenseman becomes the 15th captain in the franchise’s history. Doughty has been a key figure for the Kings since he joined the team and has served as an alternate captain since the 2016-17 season, a role he assumed when Kopitar replaced Dustin Brown as captain.

Doughty is the franchise leader among defensemen in multiple categories, including goals, assists, points, and games played. He played a significant role in the Kings’ Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. The upcoming season will mark Doughty’s 19th in the NHL, with training camp scheduled to begin Thursday.

In a statement released by the Kings, Doughty expressed his pride and honor at being named captain. “Being named captain of an NHL team is something I’m truly honored by, and it’s something I take great pride in,” he said.

The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding Doughty’s contract status. He is entering the final year of an eight-year deal signed in June 2018. Although earlier this offseason, general manager Ken Holland indicated the team would not engage in contract extension talks, he recently suggested a willingness to collaborate with Doughty on his future with the organization. Holland stated on June 26 that Doughty “has earned the right to have a lot of say in what happens,” adding that neither party is currently focused on negotiating an extension. Holland emphasized the importance of gathering more information before discussing plans beyond the 2026-27 season.

The leadership group will also include forwards Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin, as well as defenseman Mikey Anderson. Kempe and Anderson will retain their roles as alternate captains, while Panarin, acquired from the New York Rangers in February, will wear an “A” for the first full season with the Kings. This trio will support Doughty as the team looks to build cohesion under new leadership.