Eric Staal Signs One-Day Contract to Retire as a Hurricane

In a heartfelt move, Eric Staal has signed a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes to officially retire as a member of the team where he spent so many years as captain.

The Hurricanes organization also announced that they will retire his jersey number, 12, during a special ceremony in the 2024-25 season, with the exact date yet to be determined.

At 39 years old, Staal holds several franchise records for the Hurricanes, including goals (322), assists (453), and total points (775), among others. He played a total of 909 games with the team after they relocated from Hartford.

Throughout his impressive 18-season career, which included a brief stint with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2020-2021 season, Staal played in 1365 regular-season games. During his time with the Canadiens, he contributed two goals and one assist in 21 games.

Staal made a notable impact in the playoffs that same season, adding two goals and six assists in 21 games, helping the Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Besides the Hurricanes and Canadiens, Staal wore the colors of the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers.

Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Staal finishes his career with 1063 points, including 455 goals. He played a big role in the Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup victory, leading the team with 28 points during the playoffs.

Staal expressed his feelings saying, “There was no doubt in my mind that when the time came to hang up my skates, I wanted to retire as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.” He added, “Knowing that the team will retire my number 12 is a great honor, and I am extremely grateful.”