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Jordan Staal

Jordan Staal is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who serves as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jordan Staal is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who serves as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he was selected second overall in the 2006 NHL entry draft and has been recognized for his defensive play, faceoff ability, and penalty-killing role.

Early life and junior career

Jordan Staal was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and developed as a hockey player in Canada before entering the NHL draft in 2006. He was selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

NHL career

Staal began his NHL career with Pittsburgh before later joining the Carolina Hurricanes. He became known as a reliable two-way forward and a strong penalty killer. He won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 and became the youngest player to record a hat trick in NHL history in 2007. He reached 700 NHL points in January 2025.

Leadership and achievements

Staal has served as captain of the Hurricanes and has accumulated major career milestones. These include a Stanley Cup championship with Pittsburgh, becoming the youngest player to record a hat trick in NHL history, and reaching 700 NHL points in 2025.

International play

Staal has represented Canada in international competition, adding to his profile as a Canadian player on the world stage.

Key facts

  • Plays centre and serves as captain for the Carolina Hurricanes.
  • Drafted second overall in 2006 by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
  • Reached 700 NHL points in January 2025.
  • Known for strong defensive play, faceoffs, and penalty killing.
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Canadian context

Jordan Staal is Canadian, was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and has represented Canada in international hockey, making him relevant to Canadian hockey history and national sports coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Jordan Staal play?
He plays centre in the NHL.
Which team does Jordan Staal captain?
He is captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.
When was Jordan Staal born?
He was born on September 10, 1988.
Where is Jordan Staal from?
He was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Which team drafted Jordan Staal?
The Pittsburgh Penguins drafted him second overall in 2006.
What is Jordan Staal known for?
He is known for strong defensive play, faceoffs, and penalty killing.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Staal
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, position, team, draft position, and early career summary.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/3541/jordan-staal
    Supports: Birthplace, physical profile, draft information, position, and active status.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/player/jordan-staal-8473533
    Supports: Captaincy, career milestones, point total, and team history.
  4. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/player/452/jordan-staal/
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, position, team, height, weight, and draft details.
  5. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Staal
    Supports: Stanley Cup win with Pittsburgh and role as Hurricanes captain.