Former Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal retires, and Canes will retire his number

No one will ever again wear No. 12 for the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes announced Tuesday that Eric Staal, a former team captain and member of the 2006 Stanley Cup champions, will have his No. 12 jersey retired. Staal joins Rod Brind’Amour (No. 17), Ron Francis (No. 10) and Glen Wesley (No. 2) in receiving that honor while playing for the Hurricanes.

The Canes also said Staal would sign a one-day contract with Carolina, allowing him to end his 18-year NHL career with the Hurricanes.

“Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history,” general manager Eric Tulsky said in a statement. “Throughout his time in the Triangle, he made an immeasurable impact on his teammates, the organization and the community. We look forward to raising number 12 to the rafters and celebrating the career of a man who has meant so much to hockey fans in North Carolina.”

Staal, the older brother of Canes captain Jordan Staal, was the second overall pick of the 2003 NHL draft, playing with Carolina from 2003-2004 until the 2015-16 season. The center competed in 909 regular-season games for the Canes and 43 playoff games in his 12 seasons.

Staal, coming off a 100-point regular season, had 28 points in 25 games in the Canes’ run to the 2006 Cup. The last of his 19 assists set up Justin Williams for an empty-net goal that sealed a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final in Raleigh.

“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,” Staal said in a statement. “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.”

Staal, 39, ranks first in franchise history (since relocation) in goals (322), assists (453), points (775), power-play goals (105), power-play points (252) and hat tricks (13).

Staal’s final NHL numbers: 1,063 points (455 goals, 608 assists) in 1,365 career games over 18 NHL seasons with the Hurricanes, Rangers, Wild, Sabres, Canadiens and Panthers.

Staal is the sixth player in franchise history to have his number retired — former Hartford Whalers Gordie Howe (No. 9) and John McKenzie (No. 19) also were honored.

The Hurricanes said a ceremony for Staal would be held during the 2024-25 season, although a date has not yet been set.