Who Is Jordan Staal?
Jordan Staal is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Born on September 10, 1988, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, Staal was selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2006 NHL Draft. He immediately made an impact in the league and quickly established himself as one of hockey’s premier two-way centers.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing approximately 220 pounds, Staal combines size, skill, and defensive intelligence. Throughout his career, coaches have trusted him in all situations, including penalty kills, defensive-zone faceoffs, and late-game matchups against elite opponents.
Jordan Staal Age
As of June 2026, Jordan Staal is 37 years old.
Despite being in the later stages of his career, Staal continues to perform at an elite level. His leadership and playoff performances have only enhanced his reputation as one of the NHL’s most dependable veterans.
In 2026, he made history by becoming the oldest player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Jordan Staal’s NHL Career Journey
Pittsburgh Penguins (2006–2012)
The Penguins selected Staal with the second overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft.
His rookie season was exceptional. He scored 29 goals and became known for his penalty-killing ability and knack for scoring short-handed goals. Many analysts considered him one of the NHL’s brightest young stars.
Playing alongside future legends such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Staal helped Pittsburgh become a perennial contender.
The Penguins reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2008 before losing to the Detroit Red Wings. One year later, they returned and captured the Stanley Cup in 2009, giving Staal his first championship at age 20.
Carolina Hurricanes (2012–Present)
In 2012, the Hurricanes acquired Staal in a blockbuster trade.
The move reunited him with his older brother, Eric Staal, and immediately transformed Carolina’s leadership structure. Jordan eventually became team captain and helped guide the franchise back into Stanley Cup contention.
His defensive excellence, physical play, and leadership made him one of the NHL’s most respected captains. Over time, he became synonymous with Hurricanes hockey.
Jordan Staal Stanley Cup Wins
One of the most searched topics surrounding Staal is his Stanley Cup record.
Stanley Cup 2009
Jordan Staal won his first Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
The Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings in seven games. Staal contributed important goals and defensive performances throughout the postseason and established himself as a future cornerstone player.
Stanley Cup 2026
Seventeen years after his first championship, Staal won his second Stanley Cup as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games, securing the franchise’s second championship and first since 2006. Carolina dominated the playoffs with a remarkable 16-3 postseason record.
This victory was particularly meaningful because Staal led the team both on and off the ice. He scored in five of the six Stanley Cup Final games and played some of the best hockey of his career.
How Many Stanley Cups Does Jordan Staal Have?
Jordan Staal has won two Stanley Cups:
- 2009 – Pittsburgh Penguins
- 2026 – Carolina Hurricanes
The 17-year gap between championships became the longest span between Stanley Cup victories by a player in NHL history.
That achievement added another remarkable chapter to his already impressive legacy.
Jordan Staal Conn Smythe Trophy
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the most valuable player during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In 2026, Jordan Staal captured the award after a sensational postseason run. He scored eight playoff goals and delivered elite defensive performances while shutting down some of the league’s biggest stars.
His Stanley Cup Final performance was especially memorable:
- Goals in five consecutive Final games
- Six goals during the championship series
- Dominant faceoff numbers
- Elite defensive matchups
- Inspirational leadership as captain
These contributions helped him earn playoff MVP honors.
Fans across hockey communities widely praised the selection, with many describing it as one of the most deserved Conn Smythe wins in recent memory.
Jordan Staal Career Stats
Jordan Staal’s NHL numbers reflect both longevity and consistency.
According to Hockey Reference, through the 2025-26 season he has accumulated:
- 1,403 NHL games played
- 318 goals
- 429 assists
- 747 points
- +67 career plus/minus
- More than 2,700 penalty-kill minutes
- Hundreds of faceoff victories each season
These statistics only tell part of the story.
Staal’s value extends beyond scoring. He has consistently been among the league’s best defensive forwards, earning praise for shutting down elite offensive players and excelling in critical situations.
Why Jordan Staal Is So Important Defensively
Unlike many star forwards who focus primarily on offense, Staal built his reputation as a complete two-way center.
His strengths include:
Faceoffs
Staal is one of the NHL’s most reliable faceoff specialists.
Winning crucial draws allows his team to control possession, especially in defensive situations and penalty kills.
Penalty Killing
Throughout his career, he has been one of hockey’s best penalty killers.
His anticipation, reach, and positioning help neutralize opposing power plays.
Matchup Center
Coaches frequently assign him to shut down opposing superstars.
This responsibility often means sacrificing offensive opportunities for team success.
Leadership
As Hurricanes captain, Staal sets the standard through preparation, professionalism, and accountability.
Jordan Staal Brothers
One of the most unique aspects of Jordan Staal’s story is his famous hockey family.
The Staal family produced four NHL players:
Eric Staal
Eric Staal is the oldest Staal brother.
He enjoyed a stellar NHL career and captained the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2006. Eric also recorded more than 1,000 career NHL points and became one of the league’s premier centers.
Marc Staal
Marc Staal spent most of his career with the New York Rangers before later playing for Florida, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
Known as a defensive defenseman, Marc enjoyed a long and successful NHL career.
Jared Staal
Jared Staal is the youngest brother.
Though his NHL career was shorter, he achieved the rare distinction of appearing alongside Eric and Jordan on the same Hurricanes roster.
The Staal brothers remain one of the most accomplished sibling groups in NHL history.
Jordan Staal’s Leadership Legacy
Statistics alone cannot fully explain Jordan Staal’s impact.
His legacy revolves around:
- Leadership
- Consistency
- Defensive excellence
- Team-first mentality
- Playoff performance
Young Hurricanes players frequently cite him as a mentor and role model.
His ability to maintain elite standards over two decades demonstrates why he is so highly respected throughout hockey.
Jordan Staal in the 2026 Playoffs
The 2026 postseason may ultimately define Staal’s career.
At age 37, he produced one of the greatest playoff runs by a veteran captain.
Key achievements included:
- Stanley Cup champion
- Conn Smythe Trophy winner
- Goals in five straight Stanley Cup Final games
- Oldest Conn Smythe winner ever
- Longest gap between Stanley Cup victories in NHL history
The performance elevated him from respected veteran to all-time Hurricanes legend.
Final Thoughts
Jordan Staal’s NHL journey is a story of perseverance, leadership, and excellence.
From winning a Stanley Cup as a young member of the Pittsburgh Penguins to captaining the Carolina Hurricanes to a championship 17 years later, Staal has consistently demonstrated why he is one of hockey’s most valuable players.
With two Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, more than 1,400 NHL games, and a place in one of hockey’s most famous families, Jordan Staal’s legacy is secure.
As his playing career nears its final chapters, fans will remember him not only for his statistics but also for the leadership, professionalism, and winning culture he brought to every team he represented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Jordan Staal?
Jordan Staal is 37 years old, having been born on September 10, 1988.
How many Stanley Cups has Jordan Staal won?
Jordan Staal has won two Stanley Cups, in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and in 2026 with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Did Jordan Staal win the Conn Smythe Trophy?
Yes. He won the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP.
Who are Jordan Staal’s brothers?
His brothers are Eric Staal, Marc Staal, and Jared Staal, all of whom played professional hockey.
What position does Jordan Staal play?
Jordan Staal plays center and is known as one of the NHL’s best two-way forwards.
Which team does Jordan Staal captain?
Jordan Staal serves as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.
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