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Historical Hurricanes: Eric Staal’s Overwhelming Impact in Carolina

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal (Photo Credit: Andy Martin Jr)

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Historical Hurricanes: Eric Staal’s Overwhelming Impact in Carolina

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Zach Martin | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 12:45 PM ET

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Throughout the “Historical Hurricanes” series, we’ve flipped through the Carolina Hurricanes’ history. From Rod Brind’Amour joining the team in 2000 and winning a Stanley Cup in 2006 to Cam Ward, the best goalie in team history, Raleigh has a ton of lore. In part seven of the series, we will look at Eric Staal, who went from a second-overall pick to having his No. 12 lifted into the rafters of the Lenovo Center.

From 2nd Overall Pick to No. 12 in the Rafters

The Hurricanes selected Staal second overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2002-03 season with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Peterborough Petes, he scored 39 goals and 98 points in 66 games. He followed that up with nine goals and 14 points in seven playoff games. Staal’s offense jumped from 49 points in 2000-01 to 62 points in 2001-02 to an almost 100-point season in his draft year.

During his rookie NHL season in 2003-04, he scored 11 goals and 31 points in 81 games. As a 19-year-old making the jump from the OHL to averaging 16:40 a night in the NHL was an adjustment, and he finished 15th in Calder Trophy voting. During the 2004-05 lockout, Staal joined the Lowell Lock Monsters in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he scored 26 goals and 77 points in 77 games.

When the NHL schedule resumed in 2005-06, Staal scored 100 points, the only Hurricane to reach that mark since relocation in 1997. He tallied 45 goals and finished fourth in Hart Trophy votes. If not for Ward’s unbelievable playoff performance, Staal could have won the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP, scoring 28 points in 25 games en route to winning the Stanley Cup.

Following their 2006 championship, Staal had a six-season run of 70 or more points between 2006-07 and 2011-12. After 11 full seasons in Raleigh, he was traded to the New York Rangers ahead of the 2016 deadline. During his time with the Hurricanes, Staal scored 322 goals, 453 assists, 775 points, 105 power-play goals, and 47 game-winning goals in 909 regular-season games.

Staal captained the Hurricanes from 2009 to 2016 and ranks first in team history in games played, goals, assists, and points since the team relocated. The Hurricanes retired Staal’s No. 12 on Jan. 12, 2025, ahead of a game against the Anaheim Ducks. He became the fourth player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining Ron Francis, Glen Wesley, and Brind’Amour.

When it was announced, Staal stated, “I want to thank my family, former teammates, coaches, and staff members who played a role in helping me live my dream playing in the NHL. I will forever treasure the memories and friendships made during my 18 years in the world’s best league.

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. 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.”

Former teammates flew in from around North America and Europe to celebrate his jersey retirement. On their YouTube channel, the Hurricanes posted a roundtable with Chad LaRose, Erik Cole, Justin Williams, and Ward, who shared stories about Staal. He still returns for alumni games, and during the 2025-26 season, he joined in the 20th Anniversary celebration that honoured the 2006 Stanley Cup team.

From winning the Cup to being named captain to having his number retired, Staal has left a lasting legacy on the franchise. The hope is that his brother Jordan will have his No. 11 hung next to his when all is said and done. Until then, Eric is the only Staal in the rafters of the Lenovo Center, forever immortalized.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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