Stanley Cup champion Eric Staal retires at the age of 39

One of the best two-way centers, and former champion, has hung up his skates.

On Tuesday, veteran forward Eric Staal announced his retirement from hockey.

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky announced that the team signed the 39-year-old to a one-day contract, so he could retire as a Hurricane. The team revealed that they will retire Staal’s No. 12 at some point during the 2024-25 season.

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

Staal leaves a mark on the game as one of the best players at both ends of the rink, and a guy who carried the torch for the Hurricanes through both glory and tough years.

“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. There was no doubt in my mind that when it became time to hang up my skates, I would want to retire as a Carolina Hurricane. To now also know that the team is retiring my No. 12 is truly humbling and I am extremely grateful and honored.”

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was taken by Carolina second overall in the acclaimed 2003 NHL Draft. He immediately made the jump to the NHL, quickly becoming one of the top players on the Hurricanes roster. Following the 2004-05 lockout, Staal had a breakout season in 2005-06, scoring 100 points–the only time he achieved that mark during his 18 NHL seasons. He would be a crucial part in helping the Canes win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup that spring.

He ended up playing over 11 seasons in Carolina, setting the franchise record (since the team from Hartford) in goals (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909) and other milestones.

Staal was dealt to the New York Rangers during the 2015-16 season, and would sign with the Minnesota Wild the following offseason. After four seasons with the Wild, he was on the move again, as he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres during the 2020-21 campaign, before being moved again, this time to the Montreal Canadiens. The former Peterborough Pete was a veteran presence on a Habs team that made it to the Final that season, before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Staal was left unsigned during the 2021-22 season, but was named captain of Team Canada at the Beijing Olympics. The following year, he joined the Florida Panthers, once again being on a team that advanced to the Final, this time losing to the Vegas Golden Knights.

In total, Staal played in 1,365 NHL games, scoring 455 goals and 608 assists for 1,063 points. He also registered 64 points in 104 playoff appearances.

Staal was a six-time NHL All-Star, and member of the Triple Gold Club, having won the Stanley Cup and gold at the IIHF Men’s World Championship (2007) and Olympics (2010).

Eric is one of the famous Staal brothers. He, along with Jordan and Marc, are the only trio of brothers to have played over 1,000 games in the NHL. Jordan and Eric briefly played together in Carolina, while Marc and Eric finished out the 2015-16 season with the Rangers.