A veteran defenseman has taken over as the Los Angeles Kings’ captain after a decade-long tenure by the team’s longtime leader. The announcement comes following the retirement of the previous captain, who had held the role since the 2015-16 season. The new captain brings experience and leadership from multiple Stanley Cup victories and a long NHL career. Fans and analysts will be watching how this transition shapes the team’s future.

Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. Doughty replaces Anze Kopitar, who retired following the 2025-26 season after 10 seasons as the Kings’ captain and a 20-year NHL ...