The Los Angeles Kings are starting a new chapter after captain Anze Kopitar retired. Now, the team must choose its next captain. The Kings have several strong leaders, but NHL Network believes one player is the best choice for the job before the 2026-27 season.

NHL Network analysts picked veteran defenseman Drew Doughty as the top choice to replace Kopitar. They said Doughty's many years with the Kings and his leadership make him the clear favorite.

During the segment, NHL Network analyst Mike Johnson made a strong case for the veteran blueliner.

Johnson said, "You know who could do it? Drew Doughty. It might only be for one year. But I think having Doughty, who's been a de facto captain of the Kings for 15 years anyway, giving it to him would be really nice for him. This would be his last year with the Kings."

Rink Royalty reporter Andrew Miller noted that Johnson said Doughty has been a leader for the Kings for many years, even without wearing the captain's "C." He helped the team through different seasons, including two Stanley Cup wins. Players respect him both on and off the ice.

Johnson further added, "Recognizing his contribution, his excellence, his commitment to the team and himself and their success, all of it. I just want Drew Doughty to be captain, just because he can talk more and we can hear more of him."

Johnson also praised Doughty for speaking up and leading the team. After Kopitar's retirement, the Kings need a new captain. Doughty's experience, success, and long time with the team make him one of the best choices to wear the "C" next season.

Drew Doughty has openly expressed his desire to become the Kings' captain

In the same Rink Royalty report, Andrew Miller said Doughty has openly shared that he wants to become the Kings' next captain. He said wearing the "C" would be one of the biggest honors of his career.

Speaking about the possibility, Doughty said, "I'd love to be captain of this team. It's something, I guess, when I was younger, something I never thought of. And I kind of grew into a leadership role, and now it's something I cherish, and it would mean the world to me to be a captain."

This is one reason why many people believe Doughty will get the job. He will be the longest-serving player on the Kings next season, and he has shown strong leadership for many years.

Mikey Anderson, Adrian Kempe, and Quinton Byfield are also possible captain candidates. But Doughty's experience, two Stanley Cup wins, and long history with the Kings make him the favorite. The final decision belongs to the team.

The Kings are starting a new chapter after Kopitar's retirement. Their captain choice will help shape the team's future. What do you think? Will the Kings give Drew Doughty the "C"? Or will they choose a younger player as their next captain? Let us know in the comments. 

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason