Hurricanes captain wins Conn Smythe Trophy at age 37
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal received the Conn Smythe Trophy after his team defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. At 37, Staal became the oldest player to earn the award for most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
yardbarker.comCarolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He is the oldest player to win the award at age 37. The Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to claim the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history and the first time since 2006.
Staal recorded 12 points in 18 playoff games and won 56.4 percent of his faceoffs during the postseason. Staal previously won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. The 17-year gap between titles is the longest in NHL history.
Staal's performance Staal scored six goals in the first five games of the Stanley Cup Final. He became the fifth player in NHL history to score in five consecutive Final games. His checking line handled tough defensive assignments throughout the playoffs. Staal also contributed on the power play and penalty kill.
Team context Staal was traded to Carolina in 2012 and has played 972 games for the franchise. He ranks second in team history in games played. Teammates noted Staal's consistency through earlier seasons without postseason appearances. The award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
