RALEIGH, N.C. — Former NHL all-star Eric Staal is retiring after 18 seasons.
The Carolina Hurricanes announced Tuesday that Staal had signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the organization that originally drafted him No. 2 overall in 2003 and won a Stanley Cup with him three years later.
The Hurricanes said they will retire Staal’s No. 12 jersey in the upcoming season.
“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 …