Eric Staal is concluding his NHL career with the team that drafted him. The 18-year veteran signed a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, officially announcing his retirement. Staal did not participate in the 2023-24 NHL season.
In honor of his contributions, the Hurricanes plan to retire Staal’s No. 12 during the 2024-25 season. General Manager Eric Tulsky remarked, “Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history. Throughout his time in the Triangle, he made an immeasurable impact on his teammates, the organization, and the community. We look forward to raising No. 12 to the rafters and celebrating the career of a man who has meant so much to hockey fans in North Carolina.”
Since the franchise relocated to Carolina in 1997, Staal holds several records in Hurricanes history, ranking first in goals (322), assists (453), points (775), and games played (909). His standout season came in 2005-06 when he, at 21 years old, finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting with 45 goals and 55 assists over 82 games. He also led the NHL with 28 points in 25 postseason games, guiding the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup championship.
The Hurricanes selected Staal with the second overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, and he spent 12 seasons in Raleigh. He served as team captain for seven years, succeeding Rod Brind’Amour.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, Staal consistently performed at a high level, achieving 70 or more points in seven consecutive seasons and accumulating 53 points in 48 games during the shortened 2012-13 campaign.
Staal expressed his feelings about his time with the Hurricanes, stating, “From the time I arrived in Raleigh at 18 years old and throughout my 12 years there, I felt the love and support of the fans and organization in a way that will always feel special to me. There was no doubt in my mind that when it became time to hang up my skates, I would want to retire as a Carolina Hurricane. To now also know that the team is retiring my No. 12 is truly humbling, and I am extremely grateful and honored.”
In addition to his tenure with the Hurricanes, Staal played for the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. He reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Canadiens in 2021 and the Panthers in 2023. During his time with the Wild, he scored 42 goals, the second-highest of his career, at the age of 33 in the 2017-18 season.
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Staal represented Canada internationally, winning gold medals at the 2007 World Championship and the 2010 Olympics. He is one of 30 players in the Triple Gold Club, having won gold in the World Championship, Olympic gold, and a Stanley Cup.
Later in his career with the Panthers, Staal faced criticism for his refusal to wear Pride jerseys during warmups, citing his religious beliefs.
