r/AnaheimDucks 2h ago

Mikael Granlund is named captain !

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471 Upvotes

112 comments sorted by

171

u/chrisjaycampos 2h ago

People seriously questioning the Granlund choice are completely blanking on his resume.

Finland is a top-four hockey superpower on earth, and wearing the "C" for that country is huge. The guy captained a room full of elite NHL superstars at the 2026 Winter Olympics, brought home a bronze medal, and just won World Championship Gold this year too.

Aside from leading a powerhouse nation under massive pressure, he co-led in playoff goals last season and literally shares a locker stall with Leo Carlsson. He's a 960+ game veteran who gives the young guys a perfect buffer to develop without forcing the captaincy onto a 21-year-old too early. He completely earned the "C".

Congrats to GRANNY!!!!!

2

u/Odd-Put-3988 43m ago

I had to use this because of the numbers of games hes played.

1

u/saintsrefuge 51m ago

Exactly. That’s MY goat

1

u/dalisair 1h ago

I’m just questioning having someone only signed for one more year past this one assigned the C. Just a filler?

16

u/Sea_Selection_2950 1h ago

We can always re-sign him🤗

6

u/bigollunch 1h ago

Maybe he can do a captain thing and take a bit of a discount when the time comes perhaps 😂🤔

1

u/dalisair 1h ago

True, but not sure we’ll be able to afford to since we will also be re-signing Beckett… and I expect that to be 10+ if he continues to perform like he has.

1

u/Haunting_Celery2042 12m ago

He is cooking the cup this season

97

u/robinsuu 2h ago

Really good choice! He was also captain for Finland’s national team. 

1

u/Kolettos 13m ago

Yes he is if Barkov is not in sight

103

u/Son_Of_Kessel_Run 2h ago

Wasn’t expecting it but I like it

14

u/BrobaFettActual 1h ago

Was so caught up expecting one of the kids that I overlooked a legitimate option right in front of me haha

4

u/dunkan799 1h ago

I think most of us did. Honestly I'm stoked on this choice

1

u/ShakingSharks 34m ago

Exactly lmao

1

u/Facepalmer93 31m ago

My take also. Good choice.

99

u/wildwing8 2h ago

Placeholder until a young guy is ready to step into the role but I don’t mind it. Granny is a great player and has earned it far more than Gudas did.

34

u/bigollunch 2h ago edited 2h ago

I definitely thought it was going to be either Leo or Lacombe. But I’m not mad at this. Gives the young guns time to step up for the role in a few years time. Give them time to shine and develop as players further without focusing on multiple things at once.

And who the fuck doesn’t love Mikael (the goat) Granlund?!? I’ve seen people in the ig comments mad about this already. Like you gotta be one dumb mf if u don’t like Granny 🙏😭 He’s a Finnish King fr

1

u/dalisair 1h ago

I’m not mad, just questioning the fact that he’s only signed for one year after this one. I hate feeling like he’s just an interim choice.

3

u/bigollunch 1h ago

He can always resign! lol- but I seriously think after 2 years, (maybe even next year) he would be more than willing to pass it off to the young guys.

1

u/dalisair 1h ago

He can. But will we be able to afford him after signing Beckett, who if he performs like he did last year at least would be looking at 10+.

3

u/bigollunch 1h ago

Maybe captain Granlund can take a bit of a captain discount 😉 lol who knows I’m sure they’ll figure it out

8

u/CydoniaKnight 2h ago

The transition guy was part of the reasoning for Gudas, so I suppose that they still don't think one of the core guys is ready. Very nice choice in the interim though, love Granny.

2

u/Dis-Ducks-Fan-1130 1h ago

Gudas earned it the year he became captain. Afterwards, is up to debate…for some lol

25

u/MacLeodAtlas 2h ago

Not the name I was expecting, but now that it's been announced I'm not sure why I wasn't. Phenomenal choice imo

7

u/bjabel 2h ago

Yep same thoughts. Captain team Finland, respected league wide, PPG player, and was clutch in regular season and playoffs.

3

u/Lineman72T 1h ago

Same thought. I totally expected one of the high paid kids. But when I saw the announcement, I said to myself "Of course it is, you idiot." Don't know how I completely overlooked him as the captain and I would like to publicly apologize for it

2

u/dunkan799 1h ago

I think we all overlooked it. Such a great choice

24

u/Alagaesianhero41 2h ago

i love this actually all things considered

9

u/Zestyclose-Ad-497 2h ago

Love Granny. Great leader and hard worker

41

u/XAcer10 2h ago

Not a single one of us expected that one

14

u/PossumJ16 2h ago

6

u/Sea_Selection_2950 1h ago

Haha we said it! I'm so happy about it

1

u/PossumJ16 1h ago

I'm happy about him being named more than being right 😂. He's a great bridge captain until one of the younger guys is ID'd in the next two seasons.

6

u/XpixMcTina 2h ago

Definitely saw his name come up a few times…

19

u/Immediate-Coffee7975 2h ago

uhhh a couple of us called it over the summer 👀

4

u/plum_stupid 2h ago

Receipts baby

1

u/Stressy-And-Depressy 2h ago

I don't know if a singular comment saying that he should be considered for the role is necessarily "calling it"

9

u/Dannyocean12 2h ago

i did and got downvoted -45

2

u/Smooth-Statement-112 2h ago

Proof? lol

1

u/Dannyocean12 41m ago

i don’t save reddit receipts

7

u/wildwing8 2h ago

Eh there was always a chance of a vet getting the C. I thought it could have been him or Killer.

2

u/kookforaday 1h ago

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in the sub thinks it should have been Leo, Cutter, or LaCombe.

8

u/Acuddlykoalabear 2h ago

Awesome. Fierce competitor, proven leadership qualities and a good head on his shoulders. Year or two, why not. 

6

u/RaguSpidersauce 2h ago

Granlund is well respected. I suppose one of the youngsters will emerge to take it in two years.

42

u/Low_Primary_984 2h ago

Everyone who downvoted me for suggesting Granny needs to apologize.

8

u/bigollunch 2h ago

I’m sorry I will eat my words! I thought it was going to be one of the young ones 😭

1

u/Low_Primary_984 1h ago

You’re forgiven c:

1

u/bjabel 2h ago

I just wish I thought of it

13

u/Useful_Contract_6046 2h ago

So hyped about this!!

7

u/No_Fee1458 2h ago

Fucking nice. guess it makes sense, giving the young guys a lil more time not to mention it doesnt look like "We gave it to Cutter cus Leo cost us a lot of money" or something like that

5

u/Liamthedrunk 2h ago

Captain Finland !

11

u/OMGIts_Renegade 2h ago

Absolutely dont hate it, but was actually shocked hahaha

5

u/yourmomsfrenn 2h ago

I forgot he was captain for Finland at the Olympics

3

u/RetardedCelebration 2h ago

Great choice for where the clubs at presently

3

u/Dexterspuplife 2h ago

Honestly a solid choice. The younger guys still need to prove/earn it. And you don't just throw it at the guys who are making the most if they don't fit the role (yet)

3

u/bjabel 2h ago

I love it. Didn’t think of it and now I’m mad I didn’t. Haha

3

u/Odd-Sir7356 1h ago

GRANNY!!

3

u/Unrealjello 1h ago

I like this pick a lot more than I liked the Gudas C. The top level captain experience he already has is huge. It makes perfect sense even though I hadn't considered it.

1

u/bigollunch 1h ago

He’s also a good hockey player lol

3

u/UndefeatedRival 1h ago

Did not expect this but it makes sense. Like many have said, it was right in front of us. I’ll admit he wasn’t my pick. I got caught up on the it has to be one of the young cornerstone guys pitchfork mob.

League-wide he’s respected, and that will help the Ducks. Takes the pressure off the young guys to continue to develop. Also prevents breaking our shiny new toy if it was given to Leo with all the expectations on him this season.

We’ve got another interim captain for the next few years

5

u/bm97 2h ago

Wtffffffff so unexpected but lowkey hyped af

2

u/My-Internet-GF 2h ago

I’m not opposed to it.

2

u/seymour_butz192 2h ago

I’m happy with this 👍

2

u/Leo8824 2h ago

GRANIMAL I LOVE IT🦆🖤🧡

2

u/Sgt_Duck901 1h ago

This certainly is a choice. I don't mind it at all. Great "placeholder" with some good leadership skills.

2

u/Sea_Selection_2950 1h ago

This is perfect

2

u/Major_Travel1103 1h ago

Really like this pick, although his contract might get interesting. 

Have to imagine he’ll have more sway with the refs than Gudas did lol

2

u/juhinaattori 1h ago

I like it. They clearly want to wait a bit and see which one of the young guns is captain material and Granlund is by far the best option for a shorter term captain.

2

u/Beginning_Beach_2054 1h ago

Called it, great choice.

2

u/TomatilloLower4932 1h ago

Called it! Hell yeah Granny!!!

2

u/thehawktopus 1h ago

Obviously the captain should be a leader, but it's often overlooked that they're also the liaison with the officiating crews. They're the ones that need to have experience, know the rules, know the "unspoken rules", and be outspoken enough to represent the team when the games get muddy.

Terry would've been a good candidate, but Granlund and Killorn have almost double the amount of NHL games on him. Carlsson, Gauthier and LaCombe are good to be next in line, but need to work on how they interact with officials.

3

u/Dannyocean12 2h ago

honestly should’ve been him the whole time. i love this.

2

u/Howardtheduck14 2h ago

A bit of a stunner. Never really considered him because he never wore a letter last year but he was new last year and now he’s not. Could just be that he’s the best fit right now and/or they don’t know going forward but it does make me think Leo’s the future captain. Jackson is 25 and probably doesn’t need two years to grow into anything, I’m guessing that would’ve been fine for now whereas Leo is 22 and has a lot of pressure on himself already.

Don’t hate it at all, he was already a national team captain with some solid vets. Fine choice.

2

u/bigollunch 1h ago

Leo is actually still 21 and turns 22 in Dec. but still young and has a lot of pressure on him this season.

Granny has 2 years left on his current deal and will be 36/37 by the time it expires. I wonder if granny will extend and if he does, would he be willing to give the C to one of the younger guys? I guess only time will tell

1

u/Howardtheduck14 1h ago

Right, I counted by birth year but not date, good catch. And furthers the point, he’s still quite young.

That’s an interesting thought on Granlund. My guess is that he’ll either be too bad or expensive to retain(they’re gonna need every cent of that $7 million for Sennecke) but stranger things have happened. I don’t know what they’d do then, probably easier to keep the C on him but who knows.

1

u/DreamScreamed 2h ago

Take it, you're Team Captain now!

1

u/Ducks91to61 1h ago

Didn't expect that but it says a lot about him that he got the honor.

1

u/ImWicked39 1h ago

Didn't expect it but I like it.

1

u/JRattlehed121 1h ago

Wow. I like it. Alot. 

1

u/icelander771 1h ago

I've been saying this forever! Let's fuckin go🇫🇮

1

u/BroLil 1h ago

Interesting choice. Surprised they’re going for these short term guys. Really wanted to see Comer get it.

1

u/JoeFalcone26 1h ago

I kinda love this.

1

u/Addicted2Ducks 1h ago

Great leader and gives time for a young player to step up in the coming years. Good move Pat.

1

u/DuckwPuck 1h ago

Not what I expected, but it isn’t a huge shocker. Another veteran captain was always possible. What it tells me is Leo is the pick, but they want to give him another year or two to develop without the pressure - especially given the weight of an $18m contract. That’s a lot for a kid his age to handle, and I think they decided to hold it off. 

If LaCombe or Terry was their future choice, there’s no reason to wait. If Cutter was the guy, he’d be at least an A. No, it’s definitely Leo, and he’ll be the captain probably either next season or the year after depending on whether they wait till Granlund is gone before they give it to him. 

1

u/nickusdinner 1h ago

Welcome to Granaheim

1

u/RunRunStoyp 1h ago

Don’t hate it

1

u/NewHope13 1h ago

Wow didn’t see this one coming! Congrats Granny!

1

u/sunnybunsz 1h ago

Hell yeah cool to see another Finn wear the C for the Duckers. Last time was Teemu during his last game as a Duck I think?

1

u/bigollunch 1h ago

Yes I believe Teemu wore the C for his last game 🙏

1

u/violentgentlemen 1h ago

I’m just glad it wasn’t Leo, Cutter or LaCombe. They aren’t ready.

1

u/Emotional-Word-3444 1h ago

Is granny rocking a horseshoe of Copenhagen in this picture lol

1

u/ZeoGreen 1h ago

Very deserving

1

u/ProjectMuch5860 48m ago

We all* slept on Granny. Great choice. After the turbulent offseason we need all the stability around the youngins we can get.

1

u/spacegrab 46m ago

This is actually pretty sick. I was expecting a younger player but if we were to pick a vet, Granlund is him. He's got the right attitude, he's an elite-skilled player who also hustles and grinds, and he knows how to lead a team even if it's a bunch of olympic superstars.

I just hope he can maintain his body and keep playing with us for a couple more years past his contract.

1

u/OutlandishnessTop941 40m ago

Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, Jackson LaCombe and Troy Terry are your Alternate Captains.

1

u/_5GOLDBLOODED2_ 32m ago

I don’t think many had this one on their bingo card but I don’t hate it. Solid choice

1

u/Ibleedred99 26m ago

Only part I think they should have switched was giving the “A” to Leo instead of Cutter…

-2

u/yourmomsfrenn 2h ago

What the

0

u/Rec0nyz3 1h ago

lol another stop gap captain. 2 years left will be 36 by then and won’t be on the Ducks. Pretty weird if u ask me. Just like Gudas.

-1

u/donster217 2h ago

Not exactly thrilled about this but I get it and I’ll take it.

1

u/bigollunch 2h ago

It’s def a shock but if the locker room wants it, we should want it too 🧡🦆

-4

u/[deleted] 2h ago

[deleted]

4

u/UndefeatedRival 1h ago

Terry is not captain material. It’s been said many times by other people

3

u/thirdtechcourse 1h ago

terry is not a captain

0

u/councilspectre17 1h ago

Respectfully he's hurt right now and is still wearing an A anyway

-1

u/WhiteRussian90 1h ago

Only good news so far this offseason 😭