Ducks name Mikael Granlund 10th captain in franchise history

The 34-year-old Finnish forward becomes the second Finnish captain in Ducks history and the ninth in NHL history.

The Anaheim Ducks have named Mikael Granlund the 10th captain in franchise history, the team announced Tuesday at practice in Irvine, California. The 34-year-old forward is the second Finnish captain in club history and the ninth Finnish captain in NHL history.

Granlund follows Teemu Selanne, who captained the Ducks in 1997-98. He is one of only two active Finnish captains in the league, alongside Florida's Aleksander Barkov. Granlund called the appointment a big honor and said his approach is to lead by example in how he prepares and carries himself on and off the ice.

Head coach Joel Quenneville made the announcement to the team at Great Park Ice, and general manager Pat Verbeek had the final say in the decision. The choice came despite speculation that younger players such as Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe or Cutter Gauthier might get the role after each signed a long-term contract.

Carlsson and LaCombe will serve as alternate captains again this season, along with Alex Killorn and Troy Terry. Quenneville said players with or without a letter will be encouraged to share leadership responsibilities. Forward Ryan Poehling praised Granlund as a teammate who leads by example and deserves the role.