Jordan Staal Returns to Lineup as Hurricanes Sweep Kraken in Finland

Captain Jordan Staal recorded one shot in 13:55 of ice time during Carolina's 5-1 victory over Seattle in Helsinki.

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-1 on Saturday to complete a two-game sweep in Helsinki, Finland. The contest marked the return of captain Jordan Staal, who had been sidelined since October 10 with a torn calf muscle. Staal logged 13:55 of ice time and registered one shot on goal in his first appearance since the injury, which occurred during a pregame skate.

Staal returned to action on the earlier side of a projected one- to two-month recovery timeline. The veteran center, currently in his 21st NHL season, is still looking for his first point of the year. Prior to this injury, Staal served as a primary contributor during Carolina’s Stanley Cup Final victory against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy after recording 12 points across 19 postseason games.

According to ESPN, the two-time Selke Trophy finalist has now appeared in 1,410 career games. His career totals include 318 goals and 429 assists for 747 points across tenures with the Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins.