NHL
Jordan Staal out one to two months with calf tear
Rod Brind’Amour says Carolina’s captain faces an extended absence after being injured during warmups in Philadelphia.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal will miss one to two months with a calf tear, coach Rod Brind’Amour said Tuesday. Staal was injured during warmups before Sunday’s 4–1 victory at Philadelphia.
Staal has not recorded a point in six games this season, but he leads Carolina’s forwards in short-handed ice time at 2:53 per game and has taken a team-high 124 faceoffs. His absence removes a regular defensive matchup and penalty-killing option.
Mark Jankowski has moved into Staal’s usual third-line position between Nikolaj Ehlers and Jordan Martinook. Brind’Amour said the Hurricanes would need to share the duties during the captain’s absence rather than rely on one replacement.
Staal finished last season with 36 points in 75 regular-season games and added 12 points in 19 playoff appearances as Carolina won the Stanley Cup. Six of his eight postseason goals came in the final, and he received the Conn Smythe Trophy. He has played 978 regular-season games for the Hurricanes.
