Both were wrong.
Within a 24 hour span this past weekend, 37-year old Jordan Stall became the oldest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP leading the Carolina Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup in 20 years, while Jalen Brunson – who left $100-million on the table to resign with the New York Knicks – led his team to its first championship since 1973.
“Each scar, each moment just drives a hunger even deeper into you,” Staal told reporters Sunday night after Carolina’s Stanley Cup clinching 3-0 win over Vegas.
“Being a part of this core and all the scars that we’ve gone through just brings that care factor for each other that we want it for each other that much more.”
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour offered this when asked about his team captain.
“We’re not here today without Jordan Staal,” he said. “I can promise you that. We’re very lucky. And as a coach, you’re super fortunate to have a guy like that be your leader.”
Brunson scored a franchise record game-clinching high 45 points Saturday night as the Knicks stopped the Spurs in five games.
“Words can’t describe it. I put a lot of time and effort into being the best player I can be, and I’m just really thankful to have a coaching staff and teammates who have my back every day.”
In 2024, Brunson signed a four-year extension with New York that could be worth $156.5 million if he accepts his option for the 2028-29 season. If Brunson waited until 2025 for his extension, he would have been eligible for a five-year, $269 million deal.
“I think he’s still underrated in the league, and he keeps proving people wrong, game by game, series by series, playoff appearance by playoff appearance,” said Brunson’s Knicks teammate Josh Hart.
A former Maple Leaf did win the cup with Carolina as goaltender Fredrik Andersen won 13 of the Hurricanes 16 playoff victories before Brind’Amour turned to rookie Brandon Bussi.
Meanwhile, a former Toronto Raptor won his second NBA title as OG Anunoby was a key cog for New York seven years after the Raptors were crowned champions.
It takes more than skill to win championships.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
