Carolina Hurricanes make huge announcement about franchise icon Eric Staal

The Carolina Hurricanes have seen some fantastic players come through the organization, but perhaps none more impressive and important to the franchise than former captain Eric Staal. The veteran spent the first 12 years of his career with the team, hoisting the Stanley Cup back in 2005, and now, he will officially have his jersey retired by the team as he is set to sign a one-day contract to retire as a Hurricane.

It has been more than a decade since Staal pulled on a Hurricanes jersey, but the love remains for the star forward, who will end his storied NHL career with 1,063 points in 1,365 games played.

The 39-year old is expected to have a bright future after his playing days, as he has plenty of experience and a great mind for the game, but in 2024/25, he will receive the incredible honour of seeing No. 12 sent to the rafters in Carolina. It's an honour that so few receive in the NHL, and while he didn't excel as much as expected after leaving the Hurricanes, he was the heart and soul of the organization for so long, and deserves every bit of the adulation he'll receive.