On Tuesday, Staal announced his retirement from the NHL by signing a one-day contract with Carolina to retire as a Hurricane. The Canes will also retire his No. 12 jersey during an upcoming game this season.
Staal expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and staff who helped him achieve his dream of playing in the NHL. “I will forever treasure the memories and friendships made during my 18 years in the world’s best league,” he said.
He added that retiring as a Carolina Hurricane was always his plan: “To now also know that the team is retiring my No. 12 is truly humbling and I am extremely grateful and honored.”
Staal’s Impact on Carolina:
At 39, Staal might not always get the recognition he deserves as one of the stars of the early salary-cap era. Drafted second overall in 2003, he was expected to make a significant impact on the Canes. Though he left for New York in 2016, he’s arguably been Carolina’s most influential player since they moved from Hartford in ’97.
His breakout came early; during his sophomore year (2005-2006), he led with 45 goals and 100 points—a career-high. At just 21, Staal was pivotal in leading the Canes to their first Stanley Cup victory with nine goals and 28 points over 25 playoff games.
Fans might think it’s bittersweet seeing such a legend hang up his skates.
During parts of twelve seasons in Raleigh, Staal set records for games played (909), goals (322), assists (453), points (775), power-play goals (105), power-play points (252), and hat tricks (13). He averaged over twenty minutes per game while serving as captain from ’09 to ’16 after Rod Brind’Amour.
However, age caught up with him quickly. By age thirty-one, when traded to New York Rangers, his performance had already started declining steadily. His stint there was short-lived before moving on as a free agent to Minnesota Wild in summer ’16.
In Minnesota
He found some resurgence with forty-two goals and seventy-six points during ’17-’18 season but couldn’t return fully to top-line dominance again.
Later years saw him play for Sabres, Canadiens & Panthers—contributing as experienced depth on teams reaching championship series (’21 & ’23) though never reclaiming past glory.
In total: Staal retires with impressive stats—455 goals;608 assists;1K+ pts across1365 games spanning eighteen seasons! Eldest among four NHL-playing brothers including Jared Jordan Marc ranks76th all-time scoring list!
We at PHR salute Staal’s illustrious career wishing him great success ahead!
What do you think about Staal’s retirement?
