LAS VEGAS — Rod Brind’Amour etched his name into NHL history on Sunday as he led the Carolina Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup championship since 2006, joining an elite group of individuals who have captained and coached the same organization to a title. Brind’Amour’s dual achievement places him alongside legends Toe Blake, Hap Day and Cooney Weiland.

The Hurricanes secured the Stanley Cup with a 4-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the finals, capping off a season marked by resilience and team depth rather than reliance on a single superstar player. Carolina captain Jordan Staal, who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs, acknowledged the collective effort behind the team’s success. “It’s been a fun ride,” Staal said, praising Brind’Amour’s leadership and vision since he took over as coach eight years ago.

Brind’Amour, who played for the Hurricanes before transitioning to coaching, was named head coach in May 2018 after serving seven years as an assistant. General manager Don Waddell’s decision to promote him reflected confidence in his steady presence and rapport with the players. Brind’Amour emphasized that familiarity with the team and being true to himself were keys to his coaching approach. “Assistant coach is different, you’re following what the other lead is,” he said. “I could finally basically use my voice.”

His ability to foster a winning culture over multiple seasons was highlighted by Peter Laviolette, who coached Brind’Amour on the Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup-winning team. Laviolette noted that while the Hurricanes had seen playoff success in recent years, reaching the ultimate goal had proved elusive until now. “Championships are hard to win. Based on such an incredibly steady body of work year after year, the Carolina Hurricanes, and Rod, are so deserving to be 2026 Stanley Cup champions,” Laviolette said via text message.

Players echoed similar sentiments about Brind’Amour’s impact. Jordan Martinook credited the coach’s support as a major factor in his decision to remain with Carolina. “He’s been in my corner since I got here. There’s times I didn’t know if I was going to stay, and then he gets on the phone and tells me, ‘You can’t leave,’” Martinook said. Seth Jarvis called him “a big reason why we won,” praising how his experience as a player informs his coaching style.

Brind’Amour’s commitment to the Hurricanes was also underlined by his choice to remain with the team despite interest from bigger markets. “I have a certain way to coach, and I don’t think I can do it anywhere else,” he said. The Hurricanes’ owner, Tom Dundon, described Brind’Amour as “literally the most important thing we have in Carolina,” lauding his loyalty and influence on the team’s culture.

The Hurricanes have reached the playoffs every year under Brind’Amour’s guidance, overcoming previous disappointments in the conference finals to finally capture the Stanley Cup. His blend of leadership, consistency and connection with the players has been celebrated both within the organization and across the league, prompting New York Islanders coach Peter DeBoer to commend Brind’Amour’s unwavering commitment to his vision despite setbacks.

For Brind’Amour, the championship was a team milestone first and foremost. “As a player, I had dreamed of winning the Cup my whole life,” he said. “This time around, I wanted it for the group. I wanted them to feel what it’s like.” The moment was marked by mutual appreciation, with Brind’Amour reflecting on the joy he saw in his players’ faces. “It was the other way around for me. I’ll never forget that.”