Career Timeline of Jordan Staal: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jordan Staal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jordan Staal is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, currently the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL. Known for his exceptional penalty-killing abilities and strong two-way play, he is a highly respected centre. A notable early career achievement includes becoming the youngest player to score a hat trick in NHL history in 2007.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Begins Major Junior Career

In 2004, Jordan Staal began his major junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Peterborough Petes after being selected third overall in the 2004 OHL Priority Draft.

2005: Begins Second Season with the Petes

In 2005, Jordan Staal began his second season with the Peterborough Petes.

October 2, 2006: Signs Entry-Level Contract with Penguins

On October 2, 2006, Jordan Staal signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins and made the immediate jump from junior to the NHL.

2006: Eric Wins Stanley Cup

In 2006, Eric Staal won a Stanley Cup with the Carolina team, preceding Jordan's Stanley Cup win in 2009.

2006: Participates in Memorial Cup

In 2006, Jordan Staal earned a berth in the Memorial Cup with the Peterborough Petes, although they did not advance past the round-robin stage.

2006: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2006, Jordan Staal was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft, after a successful OHL career, and won the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

2006: Drafted Second Overall by Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2006, Jordan Staal was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft.

January 2007: Participates in NHL YoungStars Game

In January 2007, Jordan Staal participated in the NHL YoungStars Game during the All-Star festivities, along with teammates Ryan Whitney and Malkin.

February 10, 2007: Scores First NHL Hat Trick

On February 10, 2007, Jordan Staal scored his first NHL career hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the youngest player in league history to achieve this at 18 years and 153 days.

2007: Team Canada's World Championship Gold Medal

In 2007, Jordan Staal and his brother Eric played together as part of Team Canada's World Championship gold medal-winning team.

2007: International Debut with Canada

In 2007, Jordan Staal made his international debut with Canada at the World Championships, helping the team win a gold medal.

November 11, 2008: Scores Hat Trick Against Red Wings

On November 11, 2008, Jordan Staal notched his second career NHL hat trick to tie the game against the Detroit Red Wings, then set up the overtime winner.

December 2, 2008: Named Alternate Captain

On December 2, 2008, Jordan Staal was named to the rotating position of alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the month of December.

2008: Last Regular Season Hat Trick

In 2008 Jordan Staal scored his last regular season hat trick against the Red Wings.

2008: Loses Stanley Cup Finals

In 2008, Jordan Staal and the Pittsburgh Penguins lost the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings.

2008: 2008 Playoffs Against Marc's New York Rangers

In 2008, Jordan Staal faced his brother Marc's New York Rangers in the playoffs. Jordan eliminated his brothers with the Penguins.

2008: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2008, Jordan Staal was part of the Penguins' playoff run to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings, where they were defeated in six games.

January 8, 2009: Contract Extension

On January 8, 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they had extended Jordan Staal's contract through the 2012-13 season.

June 12, 2009: Wins Stanley Cup

On June 12, 2009, Jordan Staal and the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Detroit Red Wings.

2009: 2009 Eastern Conference Finals Matchup

In 2009, Jordan Staal and his brother Eric competed against each other in the NHL, including their high-profile matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jordan eliminated his brothers with the Penguins.

2009: Wins Stanley Cup

In 2009, Jordan Staal won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, contributing two goals and an assist in the seven-game series.

January 1, 2011: Season Debut After Injuries

On January 1, 2011, Jordan Staal made his season debut at the NHL Winter Classic, after recovering from foot surgery and a broken hand.

April 18, 2012: Playoff Hat Trick

On April 18, 2012, Jordan Staal registered his first playoff hat trick against the Philadelphia Flyers, although the Penguins would lose the series.

June 22, 2012: Traded to Carolina Hurricanes

On June 22, 2012, Jordan Staal was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, joining his brother Eric Staal.

July 1, 2012: Signs Extension with Hurricanes

On July 1, 2012, Jordan Staal signed a ten-year extension with the Carolina Hurricanes after being traded to the team.

2012: Contract Year

In 2012 Jordan Staal was under contract with the Penguins.

2012: Creation of the Staal Family Foundation

In 2012, the Staal Brothers created the Staal Family Foundation, an organization aimed at improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.