Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal won the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading his team to a Stanley Cup victory [1].
Staal's achievement marks a historic milestone for the NHL and a long-awaited return to glory for the Hurricanes franchise. By securing the title, Staal established a new record for age and leadership in the postseason.
The Hurricanes captured the championship by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final [2]. The award was presented following Game 6 of the series [3]. Throughout the 2026 playoffs, the Hurricanes maintained a dominant record of 16-3 [4].
Staal played a pivotal role in the final series, scoring six goals [5]. His performance earned him the recognition of the league's most valuable player in the playoffs. At 37 years old, Staal became the oldest player on record to win the Conn Smythe Trophy [6].
This victory represents a significant personal milestone for the captain. There were 17 years between Staal's first and second Stanley Cup championships [7]. The win also ends a long drought for the organization, as the Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup in 20 years [8].
Staal's leadership was cited as a primary factor in the team's success during the 2026 run [2]. The combination of his scoring in the finals and his role as captain solidified his place in league history as the veteran MVP.
“Staal became the oldest player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy”
Jordan Staal's victory shifts the narrative around veteran longevity in the NHL. By winning the Conn Smythe at 37, he proves that leadership and high-level production can persist well into a player's late thirties, while the Hurricanes' first title in two decades resets the franchise's status as a premier power in the league.
