Story Summary
Jordan Staal has signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2027-28 season that can pay him up to $10 million. The deal carries a $900,000 base salary, a $4 million signing bonus and as much as $5.1 million in additional performance bonuses. The 38-year-old captain, coming off a 36-point regular season and a Conn Smythe Trophy-winning playoff run, remains a central figure in Carolina after more than a decade with the club.
Key Facts
- Jordan Staal signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2027-28 season.
- The contract has a $900,000 base salary, a $4 million signing bonus and up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses, worth up to $10 million in total.
- Staal is 38 years old and is the Hurricanes’ captain.
- He recorded 36 points (20 goals, 16 assists) in 75 regular-season games last season.
- He posted 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
- Staal is entering the final season of a four-year, $11.6 million contract (a $2.9 million average annual value) he signed with Carolina on June 25, 2023.
- In his NHL career he has 747 regular-season points (318 goals, 429 assists) in 1,403 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes.
- He has 85 playoff points (46 goals, 39 assists) in 181 postseason games and was a member of the 2009 Stanley Cup-winning Penguins.
- Staal was acquired by Carolina in a trade with Pittsburgh on June 22, 2012.
- He ranks second in Hurricanes history in games played (972), fourth in assists (301) and fifth in points (499).
- Staal has been the Hurricanes’ captain since 2019.
- Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said: ” Jordan is not only our captain, he’s the bedrock of the culture we’ve established in this organization.”
IHM Discussion
The structure is notable: a $900,000 base salary, a $4 million signing bonus and up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses. At 38, Staal follows a 36-point regular season with 12 points in 19 playoff games and a Conn Smythe Trophy-winning postseason. The agreement keeps Carolina’s captain in place for 2027-28 after a season in which he combined production with an established leadership role.
Why It Matters
Keeping Staal under contract maintains continuity after Carolina’s championship season. He remains the club’s captain and a long-standing presence in the dressing room, while the one-year term gives the Hurricanes clarity for 2027-28. His playoff production and Conn Smythe Trophy underline the scale of his contribution last season.
IHM Market Outlook
The deal gives Staal a one-year commitment for 2027-28, with its value shaped by a $900,000 base salary, a $4 million signing bonus and up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses. It is a contract structure that places a substantial share of the potential value in bonuses.
Fan Pulse
For Carolina supporters, the signing keeps the captain in place following a Conn Smythe Trophy-winning playoff run and the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. Staal’s long tenure, captaincy and postseason performance give the move clear significance for the club.
Mini Q&A
Is Jordan Staal’s signing confirmed?
Yes.
What is the term and maximum value of the deal?
The contract is one year for the 2027-28 season and can pay up to $10 million through a $900,000 base salary, a $4 million signing bonus and up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses.
How did Staal perform last season?
He had 36 points (20 goals, 16 assists) in 75 regular-season games and 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
What is Staal’s career experience with Carolina?
Staal was acquired by Carolina on June 22, 2012, has been their captain since 2019, and ranks second in Hurricanes history in games played (972), fourth in assists (301) and fifth in points (499).
Coach Mark Comment
Staal’s value begins with the combination of experience, captaincy and recent production. After scoring 20 regular-season goals and eight more in the playoffs, he remains a veteran forward who can set standards in the room while contributing on the ice.
What Comes Next
The contract applies to the 2027-28 season; Staal will be under contract with the Hurricanes for that season.
IHM Final View
Carolina have secured Jordan Staal for 2027-28 on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. The contract retains the captain after a 36-point regular season and a Conn Smythe Trophy-winning playoff run, while its bonus structure leaves the final value dependent on performance bonuses. For Staal, it extends his long Carolina tenure into another season.