Jordan Staal named Carolina Hurricanes captain

Jaccob Slavin, Jordan Martinook named alternate captains

Chris Baird - TSN via Baird Photography

Peter Koutroumpis

editor@trianglesportsnet.com

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes have a new captain.

In front of a packed PNC Arena before the team’s final preseason game against the Washington Capitals, coach Rod Brind’Amour announced that Jordan Staal was his pick to lead the team.

Forward Jordan Martinook and defenseman Jaccob Slavin were named alternate captains.

Been here for a while

The 31-year-old Staal, previously served as co-captain during the 2017-18 season and served as an alternate captain during each of his other six seasons with Carolina (2012-17, 2018-19).

No stranger in assuming leadership roles, he also served as an alternate captain during his last four seasons in Pittsburgh (2008-12) before being acquired in a trade (June 22, 2012) from the Penguins in exchange for Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumoulin and a first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft (Derrick Pouliot).

Staal has registered 510 points (217g, 293a) in 893 career NHL games, including 262 points (97g, 165a) in 462 career games with the Hurricanes.

Last season, he posted 28 points (11g, 17a) in 50 regular season games in 2018-19 and added 10 points (4g, 6a) in 15 playoff games as Carolina advanced to the Eastern Conference Final.

“In general, I’m one guy, I might have a C, it’s a different letter but there’s a group of guys in there that’s gonna find ways to lead – I’m just a part of that,” Staal said.

“I’m doing the things I do best. I’ve gotta do other things better. We’re gonna be leanin’ on each other, we’re a young group and there are new guys who are gonna have to step into some new roles. I’m excited about that.”

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