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Hurricanes' Staal, 37, oldest Conn Smythe winner

ESPN · Jun 15, 2026, 4:27 AM

Key takeaways

  • LAS VEGAS -- Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal won the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, becoming the oldest player to win the award at age 37.
  • The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history and the first time since 2006, eliminating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games Sunday night.
  • The winner of the Conn Smythe in that Cup run was rookie goaltender Cam Ward.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

LAS VEGAS -- Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal won the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, becoming the oldest player to win the award at age 37.

The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history and the first time since 2006, eliminating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games Sunday night.

The winner of the Conn Smythe in that Cup run was rookie goaltender Cam Ward. Staal became the first player in NHL history to go 17 years from one Stanley Cup to the next, adding to a championship he won with the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins. The previous mark of 16 years was held by Chris Chelios (1986 to 2002).

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