Carolina Hurricanes Buckle Down, Get Key Extension Done

Just when it appeared that the Carolina Hurricanes would be watching their captain hit free agency next week, the team and veteran forward Jordan Staal have reached agreement on a four-year extension. 

The Captain isn't going anywhere 😤

The #Canes have re-signed Jordan Staal to a 4-year contract. https://t.co/EKSENimU4V

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 25, 2023

It's an $11.6M contract for the 17-year veteran, with a $2.9M AAV. 

Late this past week, it appeared there was an impasse in the negotiations, and the 34-year-old would be hitting the open market on July 1st, but the two sides obviously buckled down this weekend to get a deal done. 

On Jordan Staal: full NMC clause first three years, with understanding he cannot be traded without written consent in year four. Final season salary is $775K. Creative contract to get this extension done.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 25, 2023

As Insider Elliotte Friedman notes, the deal includes a full no-movement clause for the first three seasons, and then requires "written consent" before he can be dealt in the final season (when Staal would be 38). As well, his salary in that 2026-27 season would be just $775,000. 

Staal helped the 'Canes reach the Eastern Conference Final this past season, recording eight points in 15 playoff games. He had 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 81 regular season games, playing just over 16 minutes per contest. 

"Jordan embodies what it means be a Hurricane," said GM Don Waddell. "His leadership has been an integral part of our success, and the impact he has made on our organization cannot be overstated. We could not be more excited to sign him for four more years."

Staal was the second overall pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2006 NHL Draft, and has been with the Hurricanes since 2012. 

Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports