RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Eric Staal is retiring from the National Hockey League as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, the team on which he played for 12 of the 18 years he spent in the NHL.
The 39-year-old native of Thunder Bay announced his retirement Tuesday, while the Hurricanes announced they had signed him to a ceremonial one-day contract.
Staal's number 12 will also be retired by the team at some point in the upcoming season, making him the fourth Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers player to have his number retired.
The forward joined Carolina at the age of 18, and ranks first in team history (since relocation) in goals, assists, points, games played, power-play goals, power-play points and hat tricks.
"From the time I arrived in Raleigh . . . 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," he 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 honoured."
Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky said Staal "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."
Staal was chosen by Carolina as the second pick in the 2003 NHL entry draft, and won the Stanley Cup with the team three years later when he also led the playoff scoring race.
He captained the team for seven years.
During his pro career Staal also played for the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and – most recently – the Florida Panthers in the 2022-23 season.
