For most of last season, Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes still was groping with the reality his brother was gone.
Eric Staal was playing for the Minnesota Wild. Once the face of the Hurricanes franchise and their team captain, Staal first was traded to the New York Rangers late in the 2015-16 season, then signed as a free agent with the Wild after the season.
Many assumed Jordan Staal might be named the Canes’ captain with Eric’s departure. The big center seemed a logical choice. But the decision was made by Canes coach Bill Peters not to have a captain last season, instead making Jordan Staal, Justin Faulk, Jeff Skinner and Victor Rask alternate captains.