The Carolina Hurricanes are close to getting their captain back.
Veteran forward Jordan Staal is targeting this week’s Global Series Finland games to make his return from a torn calf muscle injury.
Staal, 38, returned to the ice with the Canes for practice on Saturday, and later told reporters of his intentions to fly to Helsinki with the team for a pair of games against the Seattle Kraken on Nov. 12 and 14.
“I haven’t really practiced with the team,” Staal said before Carolina’s 9-2 beatdown of the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. “I’d like to get a couple in and see how I feel. Flying across the ocean and not playing in games wouldn’t be the smartest thing, so I’d like to try to play, but we’ll see how it goes.
“I can’t say I promise that. I mean, if I’m going to fly all the way over there, I’d like to play in a game, if everything goes smooth. If it doesn’t, then it doesn’t, but that’s fine.”
Staal has been sidelined with the injury since Oct. 11 after tearing his calf muscle during warm ups ahead of a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
“Just a little old-man moment a little bit, and I just had a calf that popped on me when I was warming up,” Staal explained of the injury. “It’s an unfortunate scenario, but it is what is.
“When you’re trying to get back, you’re just trying to check off boxes, and, obviously, getting the opportunity to get back with the fellas, even for a morning skate, is a box checked,” he said. “And excited to keep moving forward, and hopefully, don’t hit any more bumps in the road.”
Carolina is scheduled to hit the ice three times before their first Global Series game against the Kraken, giving Staal the chance to test out the injury and get back up to speed before the opener in Helsinki.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions will also practice on Friday and host a morning skate Saturday ahead of the second game against Seattle.
“I really haven’t gone up against any players yet,” Staal said. “Really just tight turns by myself doesn’t really do it justice, especially at this level. So, I’m excited to get into practice a little bit and try to get up to the speed of the guys and go from there.”
As Staal closes in on a return after missing the Hurricanes’ past 13 games, the team hasn’t missed a beat with their captain sidelined.
Carolina has played to a 10-2-1 record in his absence, and head to Finland leading the NHL with 30 points from 19 games played.
“The guys have played incredible,” Staal said of his teammates. “Everyone has stepped up and played really well, and it’s been enjoyable watching the machine go.
“It’s always fun to be a part of that machine, and I’m excited to get back in the lineup when I can, and, hopefully, I’ll fit in and keep that machine rolling.”