May 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) against the Philadelphia Flyers in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) against the Philadelphia Flyers in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
For Jordan Staal, the road back to the Stanley Cup Final has not been easy. 17 years since his first Stanley Cup win with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Carolina Hurricanes captain is now one victory away from another triumph.
Staal's previous victory came at age 20 in only his third NHL season. Now 37 years old and playing in his 20th NHL season, he is spearheading Carolina’s championship run.
The Hurricanes enter Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights with a 3-2 lead. Staal has scored in every game of the series and leads all players with six goals.
Jun 11, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) celebrates after scoring during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game five of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) celebrates after scoring during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game five of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
However, the veteran's impact goes far beyond scoring. Throughout his career, he has been known as an excellent defensive center.
Staal has shouldered the toughest defensive assignments, dominating the dot. He leads the playoffs with 392 face-offs, having won 56.4% of them.
“I think we’re talking about him because he’s scoring some goals, but if you take the goals away, it’d be the same impact,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour.
If the Hurricanes finish the job, Jordan Staal would set an NHL record for the longest gap between Stanley Cup wins.
It would be a huge achievement for a player who went through many tough seasons, including six straight years without making the playoffs after joining Carolina in 2012.
Staal's 14-Year Journey in Carolina
Staal’s story is about more than just goals and trophies. After arriving from the Pittsburgh Penguins, he stayed committed to a Carolina team trying to build its identity.
Although his brother Eric Staal was traded in 2016, Jordan remained and became a key part of shaping his team’s winning culture.
Since becoming captain in 2019, he has led Carolina to eight straight playoff appearances. His teammates often highlight his hard work and professionalism as a standard for the entire roster.
“Obviously, him winning it before and knowing how special it is and how much he wants it for us is showing in his play,” Carolina forward Jordan Martinook said, per NHL.com.
That experience is invaluable as the Hurricanes chase their first title since 2006.
“He gets the group dialed in, on all that stuff all the time," Brind’Amour said. "From the coach’s perspective, that makes my job so easy."
Staal's defensive consistency has freed Brind'Amour to focus on offensive strategy. Now, with the Stanley Cup within reach again, he is close to finishing one of the most remarkable full-circle stories in the NHL.
What are your thoughts? Will Staal’s leadership and scoring help the Carolina Hurricanes finally end their 17-year wait for the Stanley Cup? Comment down below.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Sijo Paul