Eric Staal retires from NHL after illustrious 18-year career
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Carolina Hurricanes sign Eric Staal for a one-day contract to retire as a Hurricane
The Carolina Hurricanes announced Tuesday that Eric Staal has signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the organization. Originally drafted No. 2 overall in 2003, Staal won a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes three years later.
The Hurricanes also revealed that they will retire Staal's No. 12 jersey in the upcoming season.
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,
Staal said in a statement.
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.
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Staal, 39, had a remarkable career with 455 goals and 608 assists over 1,365 games, including stints with the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. His last game was with the Panthers in the 2022-23 season, culminating in the Stanley Cup Final.
A six-time NHL All-Star, Staal earned MVP honors in 2008. He made an immediate impact in Carolina, achieving the only 100-point season in franchise history with 45 goals and 55 assists in his second NHL season (2005-06). That year, the team, captained by current Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour, won the Stanley Cup, with Staal assisting on Justin Williams' empty-net clincher in Game 7 against Edmonton.
Staal holds several franchise records since the team's relocation from Hartford to North Carolina in 1997, including most goals (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909), power-play goals (105), power-play points (252), and hat tricks (13).
His brother, Jordan, is Carolina's current captain.
Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history,
said Carolina 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 No. 12 to the rafters and celebrating the career of a man who has meant so much to hockey fans in North Carolina.
Previously on KrakenLatest
| POLL |
30 JUILLET | 5 ANSWERS Eric Staal retires from NHL after illustrious 18-year career Should the Carolina Hurricanes retire Eric Staal's No. 12 jersey? |
| Yes | 5 | 100 % |
| No | 0 | 0 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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