Jordan Staal is a potential return for Carolina Hurricanes in Saturday’s NHL Global Series game vs. Seattle Kraken

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

HELSINKI — Jordan Staal is considered a potential return for the Carolina Hurricanes in the second game of the 2026 NHL Global Series Finland against the Seattle Kraken at Veikkaus Arena on Saturday, according to the NHL. The 38-year-old center has missed the previous 14 games with a calf injury, and the league reports that he has taken part in both practices in Helsinki and played on special teams on Friday, a sign that he is nearing readiness for game action.

Staal’s possible return would come with the Hurricanes’ coaching staff still evaluating his condition day to day. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Friday, “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” adding that the team brought Staal to Finland with the intention of possibly getting him into a game, but also emphasizing there is “no rush” to push his recovery. Brind’Amour added that the team would likely make a clearer determination after Staal completes the following morning’s work, “and hopefully he does play.”

The NHL notes that Staal played in the first six games of the 2026-27 regular season before the calf injury ended his run. His absence has defined Carolina’s recent workload, with Staal last active prior to the injury during a morning skate on Oct. 10. The league also reports that Staal has recorded no points in six games this season before his injury.

Carolina’s overall postseason résumé adds context to the stakes of Staal’s availability. The NHL says Staal won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, helping the Hurricanes win the Cup in six games against the Vegas Golden Knights. In that run, he finished with 12 points in 19 games, including six of his eight goals during the Final, underscoring his production in high-pressure series.

Staal’s potential return is not the only name tied to Saturday’s lineup. The NHL reports that goalie Pyotr Kochetkov, who backed up Brandon Bussi in a 4-1 win on Thursday, could also play in the second Global Series game. The league also states that defenseman Alexander Nikishin, a scratch on Thursday, could be available as well.

The second Global Series game is scheduled for Saturday at Veikkaus Arena, with the NHL listing broadcast and streaming options including HHN and Prime Video, along with NHLN, SN1 and international carriage identified in the NHL release for NHL Global Series programming. The league’s schedule listing also includes CARNHL, KONG, and KING in association with the game presentation.

As the Global Series moves into its second contest in Helsinki, the reported availability decisions could carry practical lineup implications. If Staal returns, Carolina would gain a veteran center whose 2026 playoff impact is described by the NHL as central to the Hurricanes’ Cup run. Meanwhile, Kochetkov’s potential role would determine how Carolina divides goaltending responsibilities, and Nikishin’s availability would influence Carolina’s defensive options for the Kraken game plan.

Beyond the on-ice roster considerations, the NHL’s release also points to Global Series game memorabilia now listed through NHL Auctions. The league says jerseys worn by the Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken from the 2026 Global Series Finland are available, along with pucks from practices, warmups and games in Helsinki. The items reflect the league’s broader Global Series programming beyond the two contests themselves.

With Staal’s participation still contingent on how he feels following Friday’s practice work, Saturday’s Hurricanes lineup remains dependent on the morning evaluation Brind’Amour referenced. The NHL’s reporting frames Staal’s involvement as a realistic possibility rather than a guaranteed return, while also leaving open the prospect that other listed players—Kochetkov and Nikishin—could join the game-day roster for the second meeting between Carolina and Seattle in the series.

For fans in Vancouver and across Canada, the most immediate takeaway from the NHL’s announcement is that Carolina has kept Staal within the practice group in Helsinki and has signaled a willingness to consider him for game duty if his recovery responds as expected. At the same time, the Hurricanes’ head coach made clear that the club will not rush his return, with the final determination expected after Staal’s next day of work. The second Global Series game against the Kraken at Veikkaus Arena begins Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, per the league’s schedule listing.