Eric Staal officially retired from the NHL after 18 seasons, signing a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, the team that drafted him second overall in 2003. The Hurricanes will retire his No. 12 jersey during the upcoming season, honoring his significant contributions to the franchise. Staal, who had a total of 1,063 points (455 goals, 608 assists) over his career, is the franchise leader in multiple categories, including goals and points since their relocation from Hartford. He played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes' 2006 Stanley Cup victory, leading the team in playoff scoring with 28 points. Staal expressed gratitude for the support of the fans and his teammates throughout his career, stating it was always his intention to retire as a Hurricane. General Manager Eric Tulsky highlighted Staal's immeasurable impact on the team and the community, looking forward to celebrating his legacy.