Eric Staal retires, number 12 retired by Hurricanes

Eric Staal announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old forward signed a ceremonial contract to retire from playing football with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he played 12 of his 18 NHL seasons.

The Hurricanes have announced they will retire his number 12 this season at a date yet to be determined.

“I want to thank my family, former teammates, coaches and staff who played a role in helping me live my dream of playing in the NHL,” Staal said. “I will forever cherish the memories and friendships I made during my 18 years in the world’s best league.

“From the moment I arrived in Raleigh at 18 and throughout my 12 years there, I felt the love and support of the fans and the organization in a way that will always be special to me. There was never a doubt in my mind that when it was time to hang up my skates, I would want to retire as a Carolina Hurricane. To now know that the team is retiring my number 12 is truly humbling and I am extremely grateful and honored.”

Staal last played in the NHL with the Florida Panthers in 2022-23, when he recorded 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 72 regular-season games and five points (two goals, three assists) in 21 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Staal was selected second overall by Carolina in the 2003 NHL Draft and recorded 1,063 points (455 goals, 608 assists) in 1,365 games in 18 seasons with the Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and Panthers, and 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 104 playoff games.

Staal was the Hurricanes’ captain for seven seasons (2009-16) and leads the team in games (909), goals (322), assists (453) and points (775) since the franchise moved from Hartford for the 1997-98 season. His 1.00 points per game in the playoffs (43 points in 43 games) is second only to Carolina among players who have played in at least 20 postseason games (Cory Stillman, 26 points in 25 games, 1.04).

His best season was 2005–06, when he set a personal NHL record with 100 points (45 goals and 55 assists) and helped the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup. He led the playoffs with 28 points (nine goals and 19 assists) in 25 games.

“Eric is a uniquely pivotal figure in the history of the franchise,” said Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky. “During his time in the Triangle, he has had 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.”