What happened: Anaheim Ducks named Mikael Granlund captain ahead of the 2026-27 season. His path traces to the ninth overall selection in the 2010 draft.
Why it matters: Naming a captain settles the leadership structure before the Sept. 29 opener. Reaching only a 10th captain puts Granlund in a short organizational lineage.
What to watch: Preseason continues with alternates and opening-night roles still to be confirmed.