Eric Staal officially set to retire with the Carolina Hurricanes

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Tom Banks
July 30, 2024 (3:00 PM)

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Eric Staal had a long and impressive 12-year career in the NHL, and now it appears he's set to retire where it all started.

This past generation in the NHL has been filled with some incredible players that had plenty of longevity, and that list can't be mentioned without Eric Staal, who entered the NHL as the No. 2 overall pick way back in the 2003 NHL Draft. After playing his last NHL hockey in 2022/23 with the Florida Panthers, Staal is now officially set to hang up the skates;

BREAKING: Eric Staal has signed a one-day contract to retire with the Hurricanes, who will retire his #12 sweater at a later date this season

Not only that, but he will sign a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, retiring with the team after 12 incredible years to start his career, as they will officially retire his jersey at some point during the 2024/25 regular season. During his time with the Canes, Staal skated in 909 games, tallying an impressive 322 goals and 775 points, and would ultimately go on to top 1,000 points in the NHL over a fantastic 18 year career.

It was his time with Carolina that will be remembered most however, as he was a key part of the Stanley Cup run of 2005, and given the lack of success during the Hurricanes run outside of that year, it's a well deserved honour for Staal to have his jersey retired in Carolina.