Eric Staal signs 1-day contract to retire with Hurricanes
Eric Staal is ending his career where it all began.
The 18-year NHL veteran signed a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday and announced his retirement. He didn't suit up in the 2023-24 NHL season.
The Hurricanes will also retire Staal's No. 12 during the 2024-25 season.
"Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history," general manager Eric Tulsky said. "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's relocation to Carolina in 1997, Staal ranks first in Hurricanes history in goals (322), assists (453), points (775), and games played (909).
Staal's best season came as a 21-year-old in 2005-06 when he finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting, tallying 45 goals and 55 assists in 82 games. He also added an NHL-best 28 points in 25 games that postseason, leading the Hurricanes to their lone Stanley Cup championship.
The Hurricanes drafted Staal with the No. 2 pick in 2003. He spent parts of 12 seasons in Raleigh. Staal succeeded Rod Brind'Amour as captain and wore the 'C' for seven years.
A 6-foot-4 center, Staal reached the 70-point mark in seven consecutive seasons before amassing 53 points in 48 contests during the shortened 2012-13 campaign.
"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. "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."
Staal also played for the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. He made Stanley Cup Final appearances with Montreal in 2021 and Florida in 2023. He enjoyed great success during his stint with the Wild, scoring 42 goals - the second-most of his career - as a 33-year-old in 2017-18.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native represented Canada on numerous occasions, notably winning gold at the 2007 World Championship and 2010 Olympics. He's one of 30 players in the Triple Gold Club as a winner of World Championship gold, Olympic gold, and a Stanley Cup.
Staal also received scrutiny late in his career with the Panthers for declining to wear Pride jerseys in warmups, citing religious beliefs.