Every team needs a leader and the Carolina Hurricanes have a strong one in captain Jordan Staal. He leads on and off the ice.
Rod Brind’Amour could not have asked for a better captain, besides himself, to carry out the leadership duties for his vision and plan.
Staal came over to Carolina in his youth and joined his brother, Eric. Since then, Staal has been an example of character. It is hard to believe that he is in the middle of his 11th season in Raleigh.
Although the captain has only had one 20-goal season since coming over from Pittsburgh, he has taken on an important role as a shutdown center.
The first half of this season has been no different for the soon to be free agent this summer.
Staal is on his way to 20 goals, lighting the lamp 12 times so far this year. He has 21 points and on pace to have one of his best statistical seasons since 2017.
The former first-round draft choice of the Penguins brings more to the table than just statistics. His line leads the way for the entire team and sets the tempo for each game.
Jesper Fast and Jordan Martinook have all become one with the captain and calm the storm when needed, while chipping in offensively.
Staal has sniped some open shots so far this season and has not let up on his defensive play.
Not only has he been scoring goals but the goals have been coming at important moments which is exactly what you want from your captain.
The penalty kill has been strong as has the physical play when number 11 is out on the ice.
The Thunder Bay native brings versatility to this team and does so much away from the puck but this year the puck is finding the back of the net.
With that said, my grade for Staal’s first half is an A