The Carolina Hurricanes have announced that they have signed their captain, Jordan Staal, to a four-year contract extension worth $11.6 million. The forward’s new deal includes a no-movement clause for three seasons and a no-trade clause for the final season in 2026-27. Staal was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Saturday, but the Hurricanes were keen to sign him up for the future.
The Importance of Staal to the Hurricanes
Staal has been a top-tier defensive pivot throughout his career and can slot into almost any role in the Hurricanes’ lineup. With Staal’s signing, the Hurricanes have secured their center depth for the future. General Manager Don Waddell said in a statement that “Jordan embodies what it means to be a Hurricane. His leadership has been an integral part of our success, and the impact he has made on our organization cannot be overstated.”
Staal has been with the Hurricanes since 2012 and has been their captain since 2019. He is an essential veteran presence for the team and has been a key component in the team’s success. Staal’s history with the organization and impact to date made this transaction the most obvious to get done first.
Salary-Cap Relief
While the Hurricanes are delighted to have Staal signed up for the future, they will also gladly take the salary-cap relief that comes with the end of the aging forward’s megadeal. Last season was the final leg of Staal’s 10-year contract with the Hurricanes that carried an average annual value of $6 million.
The Impact of Staal on the Ice
At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Staal is an imposing presence in front of the net and garnered major minutes as the Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils in the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He finished the New Jersey series with two goals. Staal has played in 1,173 regular-season games, scoring 275 goals and 645 points while averaging 18:22 on the ice per game.
Staal’s lower-end offensive contributions have been a concern, given that he had 17 goals and 34 points in 81 games last season on a team that has often struggled offensively. However, his importance to the team’s overall success cannot be overstated.
Staal’s signing is a significant investment by Carolina in a mid-30s player, but he remains an important veteran presence to have around the team’s up-and-comers, including center Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes have other unrestricted free agent forwards in the mix as well, including veteran Paul Stastny. However, Staal’s history with the organization and impact to date made this transaction the most obvious to get done first.
The Carolina Hurricanes have secured their captain, Jordan Staal, to a four-year contract extension worth $11.6 million. Staal is an important veteran presence for the team and a top-tier defensive pivot throughout his career who can slot in almost any role in the Hurricanes’ lineup. While his lower-end offensive contributions have been a concern, his importance to the team’s overall success cannot be overstated.
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