Canes back in action this week, with a big name coming off of the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list

The 2020-21 NHL season been a bit chaotic across the board, however, few teams have had to deal with disruption equal to what the Carolina Hurricanes have been forced to endure this season.

While you could certainly put the Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals and, to an extent, the Florida Panthers in that group, you'd have to place the Canes near the top of that list, perhaps only behind Dallas in terms of early season hardships due to postponements and players being on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list.

The good news is that the Canes are back in action on Thursday, as they play host to the the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it looks as though they may have a pretty big piece back in the lineup as team captain Jordan Staal was back on the ice with his teammates for Tuesday morning's practice in Raleigh, NC, following his brief stint in COVID-19 protocol.

Staal, a former Stanley Cup champion with the Pens in 2009, is in his 9th season with the Canes and was named captain of the club last season following the retirement of former captain, Justin Williams.

In 531 games with Carolina, the 32-year-old has tallied 105 goals and 289 points for the Hurricanes, bringing his career totals to 537 points in 962 NHL games.

Staal has been limited to just 1 game this season, registering 2 shots on goal in his 15:26 of ice-time in the contest.

MUST READ

7 minutes ago  |  By Skyler Walker John Tortorella announces departure as Golden Knights' head coach in the middle of the Stanley Cup final

1 hour ago  |  By Skyler Walker A well-known face is ending his career in the NHL

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Brendan Gallagher's wife causes a major stir with latest social media post with questionable caption

6 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet John Tortorella did it again after the Vegas loss and it's instant gold

7 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet What the camera caught after game 4 has fans crying

8 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet The Vancouver Canucks just got a huge draft update that has fans dreaming big

8 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Brind'Amour's update on Frederik Andersen's status has fans holding their breath

9 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet NHL insider just dropped multiple monster trades and teams are calling right now

MORE STORIES