Eric Staal, 39, has decided to hang up the skates during the 2024 NHL offseason as he returns home to Carolina on a one-day ceremonial contract to retire as a member of the Hurricanes organization. Carolina selected Staal with the number 2 overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, and Staal lived up to the high potential of a top-of-the-board draft selection.
Eric Staal is the franchise leader in several categories of the Carolina Hurricanes record book since relocating from Hartford, Connecticut to Raleigh, North Carolina. Staal almost reached 1,000 NHL games played in Carolina and finished with a franchise-high of 909 games played. Following his departure from the Hurricanes, Staal made stops in New York, Minnesota, Buffalo, Montreal, and Florida. How will his career be remembered?
New GM Eric Tulsky Recognized Staal’s Importance to Organization
Eric Tulsky has been a busy man following yesterday’s announcement of the re-signing of center Martin Necas to a two-year extension. On Tuesday afternoon, the ceremonial contract was agreed to between the returning center Staal, and the team based in Raleigh. Tulsky added that Carolina expects to raise Eric Staal’s iconic red #12 to the roof at PNC Arena sometime during the 2024-25 season.
“Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history,” said 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 of North Carolina.”
Eric Staal assisted Carolina in capturing the 2006 Stanley Cup while leading the team in points with nine goals and 19 assists. During the incredible playoff run, Staal registered a point in 20 out of 25 games.
Eric Staal Happy To Be Back In Carolina
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After a lengthy 18 years with several stops around the NHL, Eric Staal returns to Carolina after playing over a decade for the organization. He finished with over 1,000 NHL points with 455 goals and 608 assists in 1,365 career NHL contests.
In his second season in Carolina, Staal recorded the only 100+ point NHL season for a player skating in a Carolina sweater with 45 goals and 55 assists during the 2005-06 season. Staal also represented Carolina in the NHL All-Star game four times over five years between 2007 and 2011.
During his career in Carolina, Staal was selected as a member of the team’s leadership group nine times. Staal was named the 13th team captain in Carolina history on Jan. 20, 2010. Staal responded by scoring a hat trick as the Hurricanes’ captain in a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Thrashers.
Staal’s words leave no doubt that he appreciates the chance to return home even if he did not get to play his final game in a Carolina hockey jersey.
“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,” said Staal. “There was no doubt in my mind that when it became time to hang up the skates, I would want to retire a Carolina Hurricane. To now also know the team is retiring my No. 12 is truly humbling and I am extremely grateful and honored.”
The exact date of the Eric Staal jersey retirement ceremony will be released by the ‘Canes organization at a later time.
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