Hurricanes' Jordan Staal writes Conn Smythe Trophy history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Carolina Hurricanes have now won the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history and for the first time since 2006 — eliminating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games on the evening of June 14.
Hurricanes' captain Jordan Staal was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the process. The Conn Smythe is determined via a vote by a panel of the Professional Hockey Writers **** ociation. Staal had 12 points in 18 playoff games and is the fourth straight forward to win the coveted accolade. He previously won the Stanley Cup in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who traded him to Carolina in 2012 before ultimately writing history against the Golden Knights.
Though, what is extra significant about Staal winning the 2026 Conn Smythe is that the captain has now become the oldest player to be bestowed the award at age 37. In addition, Staal became the first player in NHL history to go 17 years from one Stanley Cup (the aforementioned one from 2009) to the next.
Staal also ranks second in Carolina franchise history with 972 games played.
The Carolina Hurricanes have now won the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history and for the first time since 2006 — eliminating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games on the evening of June 14.
Hurricanes' captain Jordan Staal was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the process. The Conn Smythe is determined via a vote by a panel of the Professional Hockey Writers **** ociation. Staal had 12 points in 18 playoff games and is the fourth straight forward to win the coveted accolade. He previously won the Stanley Cup in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who traded him to Carolina in 2012 before ultimately writing history against the Golden Knights.
Though, what is extra significant about Staal winning the 2026 Conn Smythe is that the captain has now become the oldest player to be bestowed the award at age 37. In addition, Staal became the first player in NHL history to go 17 years from one Stanley Cup (the aforementioned one from 2009) to the next.
Staal also ranks second in Carolina franchise history with 972 games played.
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