Stastny's Experience, Versatility Adds Another Threat To Canes' Attack

RALEIGH, NC. -Paul Stastny may not have known that his new team had an outdoor game on their schedule this upcoming year, but he was well-educated in how the Carolina Hurricanes' season ended the past few years.
"I can recall they've been pretty close to winning. They] lose out to Tampa, who ends up winning it all. [They] lose out to New York in a tight, seven-game series - and New York could have easily beaten Tampa in the [Eastern Conference] Finals. Sometimes just little plays here and there can determine a season."
Now, Stastny, who
[signed a one-year contract on Tuesday
, will attempt to provide one of those little plays to avoid a third shortcoming in as many years.

"I'm excited to join the squad, excited to get going," the 36-year-old began as he met with reporters on Zoom for the first time. "I've always respected, the last couple of years for sure, the way that they play. Every team is good on paper, but then there's certain consistencies, some different work ethics, different challenges teams bring upon and Carolina was always one of those teams that I was like, 'God, these guys play good.' They play the same style where all four lines come at you hard and aggressive. They play that smart, two-way game. They've been close [to winning it all]."

Regarded as one of the best available free agents at this point in the summer, Stastny like several other offseason acquisitions that have landed in Raleigh this summer, are here to fit the group's win-now expectation. Through 16 seasons he's played in 103 playoff games, but thus far has been unable to lift Lord Stanley's Cup. To put the cherry on top of the current motivation, his deal with the Canes also

that can be earned by the team winning it all.
Highlighting specifically that chance to win as one of the primary reasons for his signing, the veteran believes that the club's roster make-up, in addition to their coaching staff, has what it takes.
"There's a good mix of younger players kind of come into their own, veterans and a coach that understands how to win," Stastny delved further into his outlook. "I like the combination they have of skill, speed, strength and a mix of younger guys that are hungry and older guys that want to win as well."

"They play that hard way. Kind of aggressive, hunting pucks, get the puck mentality, checking game," Carolina's newest forward continued. "Rod was so successful in his career and I think he's built an identity on that. It starts with him. He knows how to be successful and I think the team feeds off that, believes it and trusts his messages."
A center for a large duration of his career, Stastny played

. Despite having a win rate of 56.6% in the faceoff dot, he's not concerned with where specifically he'll slot into Brind'Amour's lineup at the moment.
"I look at their forward depth and realize that there's a lot of good players there that can play either wing or center, so when you play with those smart players, to me, it really doesn't matter."
Instead, Stastny's mindset is to contribute in any capacity, whether it be a 13th season with 40+ points, or in a mentorship capacity for some of the team's younger stars.
"I've always been kind of one of those guys that helps my teammates get better. I want the best out of my teammates because if they're doing well, the team's doing well, everyone's in a good mood."
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