What happened: The appointment sets the Kings' leadership structure ahead of the 2025-26 preseason. Los Angeles announced the move Thursday.

Why it matters: Naming a captain clarifies who will serve as the club's primary voice entering camp. For the Kings, settling that role now removes a key leadership question before preseason work begins.

What to watch: Training camp and preseason will bring the first on-ice look at the Kings with Doughty wearing the C. Any assistant-captain designations would add the next layer to the club's leadership group.