Hockey’s defending Stanley Cup champions suffered a setback as star forward Jordan Staal, who earned playoff MVP honors during last year’s championship campaign, will be sidelined for one to two months due to a torn calf muscle. The injury threatens to disrupt the team’s early-season momentum and depth at a critical position. Staal’s absence adds to the roster’s challenges as the club prepares for a new campaign. Fans and analysts will be watching how the team adapts without one of its key offensive players.

Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal, the playoff MVP in their Stanley Cup championship run last season, will miss one to two months with a torn calf muscle.