Jordan Staal Stays in Carolina Through 2028

September 16, 2026 - 07:12

The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up their captain for the long haul. On the eve of training camp, Jordan Staal signed another contract extension that will keep him in Raleigh through at least the end of the 2028 season.

Staal has been a cornerstone of the franchise since arriving in a 2012 trade. His leadership earned him the captaincy, and he has worn the C with a steady, no-nonsense approach that teammates and coaches consistently point to as a defining part of the room. While his scoring numbers have never been gaudy, his value shows up in faceoffs, defensive matchups, and the physical grind of playoff hockey.

The timing of the deal is notable. Getting an extension done before camp opens removes a distraction and sends a clear message about the team's direction. Carolina has been among the league's most consistent regular season performers in recent years, but the group has yet to break through with a Stanley Cup. Keeping Staal around suggests management believes the current core still has unfinished business.

For Staal, this extension likely represents one of the final chapters of a long career. He has already passed the 1,200 game mark and continues to play a demanding role against top opposing lines. The deal also gives the organization stability down the middle while younger forwards develop.

Training camp now begins with one major question answered. The captain is staying, and the window for a deep run remains open.