UPDATE: The Carolina Hurricanes officially announced Sunday morning that Jordan Staal has been extended for four years at a $2.9 million cap hit. The contract contains a full no-move clause for the first three seasons and a full no-trade clause for the final season.
ORIGINAL: The Carolina Hurricanes and captain Jordan Staal have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $11.6 million contract extension according to Chris Johnston of NorthStar Bets, Pierre LeBrun of TSN as well as multiple other sources.
The deal also reportedly includes a full No-Movement Clause (NMC).
Staal is coming off of a 10-year, $60 million deal and was set to become a UFA for the first time in his career, but he had made it clear during exit interviews that he didn't plan on going anywhere.
“We’ve got a great group of guys, a great team and it’s just been a pleasure to be a leader here and just be a part of this group," Staal said. "I’m planning on staying for sure.”
While the 34-year old's offense has slowed a bit as he's aged - last season he scored 17 goals but only had 34 points - he's still one of the premier shutdown centers in the league. He's an absolute nightmare for opponents and his ability to stifle speedy and skilled forwards is second to none.
He's also still a top-end penalty killer and faceoff machine.
At just $2.9 million per year, the deal in essence will free up $3 million in cap space for the Canes and the fact that it's not a 35+ contract, means that there will be no penalty to Carolina's cap if Staal doesn't finish it out.
The Hurricanes now have a little under $24 million in cap space after the signing.
Related
A break down of of all of Carolina's upcoming UFAs
The length of the deal also shouldn't be too much of a concern as Staal will still bring invaluable leadership and defensive acumen even if his minutes start to dip.
And if there's anybody who knows how to keep a body healthy, it's Rod Brind'Amour, Brent Burns and head strength and conditioning coach Bill Burniston.
Also, in another year or two, the salary cap will increase and the price will be very negligible.
The article will be updated with the official release once it becomes available.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
-‘CANES RE-SIGN STAAL TO FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT
Hurricanes captain signs $11.6 million extension
RALEIGH, N.C. – Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed forward Jordan Staal to a four-year, $11.6 million contract extension. The deal will pay Staal an average-annual value (AAV) of $2.9 million per season through 2026-27
“Jordan embodies what it means to be a Hurricane,” said Waddell. “His leadership has been an integral part of our success, and the impact he has made on our organization cannot be overstated. We could not be more excited to sign him for four more years.”
Staal, 34, recorded 34 points (17g, 17a) in 81 regular season games with Carolina in 2022-23, and added eight points (2g, 6a) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games as the Hurricanes advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. The 6’4”, 220-pound forward has tallied 645 points (275g, 370a) in 1,173 career NHL regular season games with Pittsburgh and Carolina. Staal has posted 397 points (155g, 242a) in 742 career games with the Hurricanes, and has been either captain (2019-present), co-captain (2017-18) or alternate captain (2012-17, 2018-19) in each of his 10 seasons in Carolina. In team history (since relocation), Staal ranks second in games played, fourth in points, fifth in assists and seventh in goals. Staal has registered 32 points (12g, 20a) in 63 career playoff games with the Hurricanes, and he is one of two players (Sebastian Aho) to appear in every postseason game for Carolina over the last five years. Drafted second overall by the Penguins in 2006, Staal was acquired by the Hurricanes in exchange for Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumoulin and a first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft (Derrick Pouliot) on June 22, 2012.