The Carolina Hurricanes have been crowned Stanley Cup champions after a 3–0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in the deciding Game 6, securing their second title and first since 2006. The victory capped a strong playoff run and a dominant final series, with Carolina finishing the job in clinical fashion to bring the championship back to Raleigh.
Captain Jordan Staal was named Conn Smythe Trophy winner for the playoffs after a standout Finals performance, scoring five goals across the series and finding the net in five of the six games. In his 20th NHL season and long tenure with Carolina, Staal followed in family footsteps as well, 20 years after his brother Eric Staal played a key role in the franchise’s earlier championship run.
The oldest but oh so deserving!!! 🤩 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/TdDS14XZj2
— NHL (@NHL) June 15, 2026
Jordan Staal Named Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP After Historic Hurricanes Title Run
Jordan Staal was named Conn Smythe Trophy winner after powering the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup title, becoming the most valuable player of the 2026 playoffs. At 37 years and 277 days, he also became the oldest player in NHL history to win the award, surpassing previous record-holder Tim Thomas. His consistency in the Final stood out as he scored in each of the first five games, tying one of the longest goal-scoring streaks ever seen in a Stanley Cup Final.
Staal’s impact across the series was not just about volume but timing, as he finished the Final with six goals and led all players in scoring. That run also placed him among an elite group of captains to lift the Stanley Cup while winning playoff MVP honours, joining names like Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews. His performances were central to Carolina’s championship push, especially during crucial moments where momentum could have swung either way.
Jordan Staal’s Historic NHL Journey, Family Reunion, and Long Road Back to Glory
His win also marked a historic gap between championships, as he had previously lifted the Cup in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now 16 years later, he adds another title as a captain in Carolina, setting a record for the longest span between Stanley Cup victories for a player. He was drafted second overall in 2006 and spent the early years of his career with Pittsburgh before being traded to Carolina in 2012, where he eventually became the face of the franchise.
Staal’s journey also includes a brief reunion in Carolina with his brother Eric Staal, as the two shared ice time in Raleigh before Eric moved on in pursuit of another championship. His legacy now includes joining an exclusive list of Conn Smythe winners from the franchise, alongside Cam Ward from their 2006 title run. Carolina’s 2026 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 sealed their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Across the playoffs, he finished with 12 points in 19 games, including a strong 7-point contribution in the Final alone. His leadership and two-way reliability also earned him recognition in Selke Trophy voting, where he placed among the top defensive forwards in the league. Despite not always leading the scoring charts, his influence was decisive in shaping Carolina’s championship-winning identity.
