Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal was awarded the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP following the team's Stanley Cup victory on Sunday.
At 37 years and 277 days, Staal is the oldest player to win the award. Tim Thomas, at 37 years and 62 days, was previously the eldest winner when he hoisted the trophy with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
Staal is also the first captain of the Cup winning team to claim the Conn Smythe since Alex Ovechkin in 2018.
Staal registered 12 points in 19 playoff games, the lowest point total by a skater to win the Conn Smythe since Scott Niedermayer's 11 in 2007. Staal's 12 points are the lowest by a Conn Smythe winning forward since Dave Keon's eight in 1967, when the postseason was only two rounds.
However, Staal delivered when his team needed him most, scoring six goals in as many contests in the Stanley Cup Final. He became the fourth player ever to score in the first five games of a Cup Final.
His excellent two-way game was on display the entire postseason, too. He was on the ice for just six goals against at five-on-five in the playoffs while predominantly playing against opposing top lines.
Staal was frequently matched up against Jack Eichel's line in the Stanley Cup Final, limiting the Golden Knights' No. 1 center to zero goals and two assists at five-on-five. Staal was also dominant in the faceoff circle during the Cup Final, winning 68% of his draws.
