Eric Staal, a former Stanley Cup Champion, has signed a one-day contract to retire with the Carolina Hurricanes. That’s the team he won the Cup with in 2006.
Staal Hangs Up The Skates
Eric Staal has signed a one-day contract and will officially retire as a member of the Hurricanes 👏
The #Canes will also retire his number 12 at a to-be-determined date during the 2024-25 season.
Details » https://t.co/2xjEFUBJaJ pic.twitter.com/ERvqpPdY9t
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 30, 2024
Staal spent ten and a half seasons with the Hurricanes. The centre made his NHL debut in the 2003-04 season. However, the year following the lockout, in 2005-06, Staal established himself as a top-flight NHLer. Staal scored 45 goals in the regular season that year. Furthermore, Staal led the league in assists and points in the playoffs. He also set a franchise record playoff point streak during that run, lasting from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round through Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history that season.
Staal ranks first in team history (since relocation) in goals (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909), power play goals (105), power play points (252), and hat tricks (13). Furthermore, he registered 1,063 points in 1,365 career games over 18 NHL seasons with the Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers.
Big Honour to Come for Staal
Staal’s seasons with the Hurricanes have never been forgotten by the franchise or the fans. In addition to getting to sign a one-day contract to retire a Hurricane, another honour awaits Staal this upcoming the season. The Hurricanes will be retiring Staal’s number 12 on a to-be-determined date.
“Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history,” said general manager Eric Tulsky. “Throughout his time in the Triangle, he made an immeasurable impact on his teammates, the organization, and the community. We look forward to raising number 12 to the rafters and celebrating the career of a man who has meant so much to hockey fans in North Carolina.”
The First Staal in the NHL Is the First to Retire
Eric played with and against his brothers, Jordan and Marc Staal in the NHL. Eric played alongside Jordan for three and a half seasons in Carolina. Jordan would follow Eric in becoming the captain of the Hurricanes. In the 2022-23 season, Eric and Marc became teammates for the first time with the Florida Panthers. Furthermore, Eric and Marc helped the Panthers reach the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The Staal brothers could certainly be considered a royal family of hockey.
Eric’s number-retirement ceremony will be special in more than ways than one. Jordan will be there as the Hurricanes’ captain. Marc has not yet signed with a team yet. The Hurricanes may be waiting to see where he signs before setting a date. Having all three brothers present for the special night would be fitting.
The Captain’s Legacy
Staal came into the NHL and helped a team win right away. His final season (2022-23) saw the same happen in Florida. Staal always made teams better. His presence and talent will be missed in NHL locker rooms. The league is better because Staal played in it. Eric Staal, thank you and congratulations!
Main photo credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
