With the Carolina Hurricanes locked into a first-round matchup against the New Jersey Devils, Staal will be one of several key players getting some extra rest on Wednesday night. The 36-year-old veteran has 36 points (13G / 23A) in 75 games this season.
Staal has not played since March 28th due to a lower-body ailment but returned to practice on Monday, and will return to the lineup on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Staal is averaging 15:26 time-on-ice and has 33 points (12G / 21A) in 71 games this season.
Staal has not played since March 28th due to a lower-body ailment but returned to practice on Monday. The 36-year-old Staal is averaging 15:26 time-on-ice and has 33 points (12G / 21A) in 71 games this season.
Staal did not play in Carolina's previous and will likely miss a second consecutive game on Wednesday. The 36-year-old Staal is averaging 15:26 time-on-ice and has 33 points (12G / 21A) in 71 games this season.
The Hurricanes play their final game of the season on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets and have opted to rest a variety of their lineup regulars. The veteran Staal will receive some extra rest before the playoffs, capping a season where he scored 30 points (10G / 20A) in 80 games.
Staal was one of four late scratches for Friday's game, with Jalen Chatfield, Brett Pesce, and Teuvo Teravainen also missing out. Tony DeAngelo, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Brendan Lemieux, and Scott Morrow will all draw into the Hurricanes' lineup.
Staal scored 17 goals, 17 assists, 124 SOG, 32 PIMs and +7 plus/minus through 81 games in 2022-23 and has re-signed a four-year contract extension ($2.9 Million AAV) to stay in Carolina. The Hurricane's 34-year-old captain will return for his 18th NHL season in 2023-24 having picked up 645 career NHL points (275G/370A) across 1173 games played.
The Hurricanes have clinched the Metropolitan Division, so Staal, Andrei Svechnikov and Jaccob Slavin are all expected to sit out on Thursday. Jesperi Kotkaniemi will return to the lineup to replace Staal.
Staal missed Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury that he suffered against the Avalanche over the weekend. Staal was back on the ice for Thursday's morning skate and is expected to play vs. the Jets. Staal has been red-hot as of late, scoring eight goals with two assists (10 points) in his last seven games.
Staal left Saturday's game in Carolina after being crushed by Cale Makar and did not return. The Hurricanes called the update "positive," so it doesn't sound like they expect him to miss an extended period of time.
With first place in the Central Division locked up, the Hurricanes will rest a few players in their season finale. With Staal resting, Drew Shore will draw back into the Hurricanes lineup.
Staal was added to the NHL’s COVID-19 list on Friday and will miss Saturday’s rematch in Detroit. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said he has “no idea” how long Staal will be out. Morgan Geekie has been recalled and will replace Staal on Saturday.
