Jordan Staal lifted the Conn Smythe trophy Sunday as the Carolina Hurricanes clinched their second Stanley Cup, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. At 37, Staal became the oldest playoff MVP in league history, capping a 17‑year span between championships that began with his 2009 win in Pittsburgh.

The veteran centre logged 12 points in 18 postseason contests, but his impact stretched beyond the scoresheet. He dominated faceoffs, winning 56.4% overall and an astonishing 69% in the Finals, while anchoring the Hurricanes' checking line against top opponents. His defensive reliability paired with six goals in the first five games, making him the fifth player ever to score in five straight Finals.

Teammates credited Staal's perseverance through 14 seasons in Carolina, where he ranks second in franchise games played and amassed 499 points. His win marks the fourth straight forward to earn the Conn Smythe, underscoring the growing trend of two‑way forwards shaping playoff outcomes. Staal's performance solidifies his legacy as both a defensive stalwart and decisive scorer.