Jordan Staal is poised to aim for a Stanley Cup victory with the Carolina Hurricanes, following in the footsteps of his brother, Eric Staal. The younger Staal recalls cheering for Eric when the latter won the cup in 2006 as a fan. Now, both brothers are part of a narrative that has Jordan looking ahead to the Cup Final.
Brotherly Legacy in the NHL
Jordan was part of the 2006 NHL Draft, selected as the No. 2 pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He reminisces about his childhood when his brother lifted the Cup. “I was a kid when he won it,” Jordan reflected. This week, he prepares himself for the surreal moments playing in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Significant Career Milestones
In 2009, at age 20, Jordan celebrated his own Cup victory with Pittsburgh. After joining the Hurricanes in 2012, he played alongside Eric for about four seasons. However, Eric was traded to the New York Rangers in 2016. Their paths diverged thereafter, with Eric continuing his career in teams like the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, and finally retiring after the 2022-23 season.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s career with Carolina was marked by early struggles, missing the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. However, the franchise has turned a corner, making playoff appearances for eight straight years. Now, after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals three times in recent years (2019, 2023, and 2025), the Hurricanes finally return to the Cup Final.
Playoff Performance and Leadership
- Jordan has played 104 playoff games for the Hurricanes.
- This performance ties him with Sebastian Aho for the most in franchise history.
Reflecting on his journey, Jordan said, “When Eric left, I could have easily moved on or done something different. But I’m happy that I’m sitting here today.” His commitment to the team has propelled him to a leadership role within the organization.
A Proud Brother’s Support
Eric Staal, now a special assistant to the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, is proud of Jordan’s evolution as a leader. He appreciates the dedication Jordan has put into the game. “He’s invested so many days, nights, blood, sweat, and tears into this,” Eric noted.
As the playoffs progress, Eric hopes to support his brother from the stands. He mentioned, “Ideally, I’ll be back in Carolina for Game 5.” The bond between these brothers continues to inspire both players and fans alike as they strive for hockey’s highest honor.
