In a heartfelt tribute to one of their greatest players, the Carolina Hurricanes announced on Monday that they are retiring Eric Staal’s jersey number 12. This significant moment was marked by Staal signing a one-day contract to officially close his NHL career with the team where it all began. This decision means that no future player will don the number 12 for the Hurricanes.
Eric Staal’s journey with the Hurricanes began with his selection as the second overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft. The team, coming off a disappointing season, hoped that Staal, a promising center from Thunder Bay, would become their cornerstone player. Despite a challenging rookie season where he scored just 11 goals and 31 points, Staal’s potential was undeniable. The 2004-05 lockout period proved beneficial for him, as he returned in the 2005-06 season to deliver a record-setting performance. Staal scored 45 goals and 55 assists, reaching 100 points—a record that still stands post-relocation. His outstanding play continued through the playoffs, where he led the league with 28 points and helped secure the Stanley Cup, finishing fourth in the Hart Trophy voting that year.
Following a memorable 2005-06 season, Staal’s subsequent years with the Hurricanes saw mixed results. While he consistently led the team in scoring, his teams often fell short of making deep playoff runs, except for a notable trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009. Over a seven-year stretch, Staal was a prolific scorer, including a run of six consecutive seasons with over 70 points. He served as an alternate captain starting in 2007 and took over as team captain in the 2009-10 season, also leading the Hurricanes as the captain in the 2011 All-Star Game held in Raleigh.
As the Hurricanes faced ongoing playoff disappointments, they decided to trade Staal at the 2016 deadline. He was sent to the New York Rangers, where his performance did not meet expectations. However, Staal found new life with the Minnesota Wild, enjoying two strong seasons before experiencing a decline. He later joined the Buffalo Sabres and was subsequently traded to the Montreal Canadiens, where he played a significant role in their run to the Stanley Cup Final. Staal’s career continued with the Florida Panthers for his final NHL season, culminating in another trip to the Stanley Cup Final, where he faced off against his brother, Jordan, and the Hurricanes.
Throughout his time with the Hurricanes, Eric Staal set numerous records and remains the franchise leader in several key categories, including games played, goals, assists, points, and power-play points. His contributions to the team, particularly his performances during the 2005-06 season and memorable playoff moments, solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history. Staal’s number 12 will forever be a symbol of his exceptional career and significant impact on the Carolina Hurricanes.
