After 17 years of waiting, Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes finally won his second Stanley Cup on Sunday. At 37, he became the oldest player to win the trophy.

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final series to win the title. In Game 6, Staal led the Hurricanes to a 3-0 victory over them. 

Speaking to the media post-match, Jordan Staal reflected on his long journey since winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, saying he felt proud, happy, and motivated to keep winning more championships.

"It's a lot of years. I mean, it's amazing. It's just something I've been going after ever since we got the first one. I mean, you want to win it again and again and again. "

Staal praised the effort of the Carolina Hurricanes, highlighting their strong defense, hard work, and team-first mentality. He said the group showed great sacrifice and pride during their championship run.

"And what a feeling, what a battle the boys are grinding today. My goodness, with so many individual efforts just to keep the puck out of our net. And it was an amazing ride. And I'm just so proud of these guys."

Jordan Staal first won the Cup in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was only his third NHL season. Now, after 17 years, he will again lift the title with another franchise. 17 years is a long journey, and this moment will be one to remember for him.

The 37-year-old captain played a key role in Carolina’s playoff run. In the Final, he scored 7 points in 6 games, including 6 goals. Previously, he already held the record for scoring in five consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.

He also had a strong regular season with 36 points and 20 goals in 75 games. In the playoffs, he added 12 points and 8 goals in 19 games.

Career Numbers and Hurricanes’ Historic Cup Context

Jordan Staal’s second Stanley Cup victory adds another special chapter to his long NHL career. He won his first championship with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 and his second with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2026.

In the 2008-09 season, Staal recorded 49 points in 82 regular-season games and added 9 points in 24 playoff games. Seventeen years later, he played a different role as a veteran leader, scoring 20 goals in the regular season and 8 goals in the playoffs.

Carolina’s 4-2 series win over the Vegas Golden Knights gave the franchise its second Stanley Cup title. Staal delivered in big moments throughout the Final, scoring six goals in the series. The Hurricanes also showed strong depth and defensive play, finishing the championship with a 3-0 Game 6 victory.

For Staal, this championship connects two different eras of his career and strengthens his legacy as a two-time Stanley Cup champion. What do you think? How much does it mean to Staal? Comment your answers below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason