Drew Doughty named 15th captain of Los Angeles Kings, with leadership group updated
Image accompanying the official NHL announcement.The Los Angeles Kings have named Drew Doughty the franchise’s 15th captain, NHL.com reported Thursday, making the 36-year-old defenceman the team’s on-ice leader after Anze Kopitar’s retirement following 20 NHL seasons, all with Los Angeles.
Doughty has spent 18 seasons with the Kings since they selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. He has been part of the leadership group since 2016-17 as an alternate captain. Los Angeles has been eliminated in the Western Conference First Round in five straight seasons, including a four-game sweep by the Colorado Avalanche in April.
The leadership group was also updated. Adrian Kempe and defenceman Mikey Anderson will remain alternate captains. Forward Artemi Panarin joins the group in his first full season with the Kings after being acquired in a trade from the New York Rangers on Feb. 4, according to NHL.com.
Kings general manager Ken Holland said the captaincy decision felt “natural” after discussions with head coach Peter Laviolette and Doughty, and that Doughty’s passion and pride for the responsibility stood out. Doughty said he wants to win a championship and that his focus is the Stanley Cup.
Doughty described his leadership style as more outspoken and emotional than Kopitar’s, while also reflecting on how they led together. He also said Kopitar texted him Wednesday night to congratulate him after returning to his native Slovenia.
Reporting source: NHL official update