Eric Staal officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday. To mark the end of his career, Staal signed a ceremonial contract to retire as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, the team where he spent most of his playing years and achieved significant success. In honor of his contributions to the franchise, the Hurricanes plan to retire Staal’s No. 12 jersey during the 2024-25 season, solidifying his legacy with the team.
Over his 19-season career, Staal was a consistent and impactful presence on the ice. He accumulated an impressive 455 goals and 1,063 points over 1,365 regular-season games. Staal played for several teams, including the Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers, demonstrating his versatility and skill in various roles and team dynamics. In addition to his regular-season achievements, Staal made notable contributions in the playoffs, recording 25 goals and 64 points in 104 postseason games.
One of the highlights of Staal’s career was winning the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, a significant achievement that cemented his status as a key player in the franchise’s history. Known for his leadership and scoring ability, Staal’s impact extended beyond the statistics. He was a respected leader on and off the ice, serving as captain for the Hurricanes for much of his time with the team.
Staal’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has been a significant figure in the NHL for nearly two decades. As the Hurricanes prepare to honor his legacy by retiring his jersey, Staal’s career will be remembered for his impressive stats, leadership qualities, and the lasting impact he made on every team he played for, especially the Carolina Hurricanes.
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