For his outstanding playoff performance, Jordan Staal was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, given annually to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. When asked about the award and his performance, Staal delivered a hilarious response.
“Good time to get hot, eh?” he said.
Jordan Staal captained the Carolina Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup championship in 20 years, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights. In doing so, he put together a remarkable postseason performance.
READ MORE: The Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup 2026
Jordan Staal Conn Smythe winner
In 19 playoff games, Staal recorded eight goals and four assists. Six of those goals came in the Stanley Cup Final. By scoring in each of the first five games of the Final, Staal made NHL history, becoming the first player since Yvan Cournoyer of the Montreal Canadiens in 1973 to accomplish the feat.
With Sunday’s victory, Staal also set two NHL records. He became the first player ever to go at least 17 years between Stanley Cup championships, with his previous title coming with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
Perfect response
At 37 years old, Jordan Staal also became the oldest player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Afterward, he praised head coach Rod Brind’Amour reflected on what the long wait for another Stanley Cup had meant to him.
“I’ve learned a lot about perseverance. I mean, it’s life, and it’s been such a grind. We’ve been grinding with these guys for so long, just trying to break through and keeping at it. And my goodness, we pulled it off. I can’t describe it. Sticking with it, some guys jumped ship, but I believed in this organization. I believed in everyone in it. It’s such an amazing feeling to build something like that and then pull it off. I can’t imagine anything better,” he said.
When asked about his incredible performance in the Final, Jordan Staal couldn’t help but crack a joke.
“Good time to get hot, eh? I mean, my goodness. I just wanted to win. I wanted to win so bad. That’s it,” he said.
You can watch the interview below.
READ MORE: Rod Brind’Amour’s first words after winning the Stanley Cup
