Hurricanes retire Staal's No. 12

The Carolina Hurricanes retired Eric Staal's No. 12 in a pre-game ceremony in Raleigh on Sunday.

Staal ranks second on the franchise's all-time list of goals (322), assists (453), and points (775). He trails Hall of Famer Ron Francis in each category. Francis, Glen Wesley, and Rod Brind'Amour were the only other players to have their numbers retired by the Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers organization before Staal was honored.

Staal was drafted second overall in 2003. His second season with the Hurricanes, 2005-06, was the best of his career as he notched 45 goals and 100 points. He then led that year's playoffs with 28 points to help Carolina win its only Stanley Cup.

Staal played 12 seasons with the Hurricanes before brief tenures with the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. He ended his playing career after the 2022-23 campaign.