Two seasons after sporting the "C" as a co-captain, Staal assumed the role on his own in 2019. Deemed a player who "embodies what it means to be a Hurricane" by former GM Don Waddell, Staal has played a pivotal role under Rod Brind'Amour, providing a veteran presence while consistently shepherding the club into the postseason.
(Photo: Josh Lavallee/Carolina Hurricanes)
A summer of change in 2018 introduced Rod Brind'Amour behind the Canes' bench, where Carolina's cup-winning captain tapped his former linemate to wear the "C". After re-joining the Canes for a second stint before the 2017 campaign, William's veteran voice guided the club to its first playoff appearance in 10 years and helped establish a new standard of success in Raleigh.
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After spending the 2016-17 season without a designated captain, Carolina entered the 2017-18 campaign with two. Faulk, a 2010 second-rounder, and Staal, acquired via trade in 2012, took up the mantle following the elder Staal's trade to New York two seasons prior. The co-captain system lasted just one year.
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Having established himself as a premier player in his sixth NHL season, Staal took the reins from Rod Brind'Amour and stepped into the team's captaincy on Jan. 20, 2010. The 2003 second-overall selection went on to become the team's leader (since relocation) in seven different categories: goals (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909), power-play goals (105), power-play points (252) and hat tricks (13).
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Coming out of the 2004-05 lockout, the Canes needed a new captain. Brind'Amour, having spent four years as an alternate, stepped up to lead the club into the NHL's new era. Later that season, he became the first in franchise history to lift the Stanley Cup and won his first of two consecutive Selke Trophies as the league's top defensive forward.
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Following Primeau's departure, the Hurricanes turned to Francis for his second stint as captain of the club, having initially worn the "C" from 1985-1991 in Hartford. The future Hall of Famer helped lead the team to a pair of playoff appearances during his tenure as captain, including the franchise's first trip to the Stanley Cup Final, and remains the franchise's all-time leader in points (1,175), goals (382) and assists (793).
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Primeau was promoted to the helm during the team’s second season and led the club to its first playoff appearance during his second consecutive 60-point season. A contract dispute led to Primeau sitting out for much of the 1999-2000 season, before eventually being moved to the Philadelphia Flyers for a package that brought Rod Brind’Amour to Raleigh.
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After serving as captain of the Hartford Whalers during their final season (1996-97), Dineen kept the “C” as the team made its move to Raleigh. Those two seasons were the only ones that the 19-year pro served as the head of the locker room, but he will always be remembered as the first in team history.
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