NHL Rumors: 2022-23 Could Be Hurricanes Captain's Last

The Carolina Hurricanes may have their captain for just one more season as Jordan Staal doesn't want to talk contract extensions before he enters the final season of his contract.

Staal will be entering his final year of his 10-year, $60 million contract he signed in 2012. He was able to play with his brother Eric for a few seasons and has served as the captain of the Hurricanes since 2019-20.

"I'm going to ride out this contract. Eleven years is a long time here, and it's been special. I'm going to ride it out next year and hopefully finish with a bang and go from there." His quotes made it seem like Staal is contemplating retirement. He stated he wanted to be part of the solution in Carolina after missing the playoffs for his first six seasons with the team. They have qualified for postseason action in each of the last four seasons and he has been part of the solution.

Staal also said not signing a contract extension wasn't anything to do with testing free agency, which further indicates next season could be his last in the NHL. He has had a very good 16-year career that has seen him play six seasons as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins and 10 as a Hurricane.

He has 138 goals and 363 points in 661 games in Carolina while recording 258 goals and 611 points in 1092 games in his career. He also has 33 goals and 60 points in 121 playoff games and has a Stanley Cup to his name with the Penguins in 2009.

Staal may be slowing down a bit as he is now 33 years old, but he is still able to put the puck in the back of the net. Nothing is confirmed, just speculation, but calling it a career at a young age with a career like he's had is rare. Looking at it from a different angle, he has accomplished a lot and has the Stanley Cup so many chase deep into their 30s. We will have to see how next season plays out and what the future holds for Staal.