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Eric Staal was a longtime Carolina Hurricanes player. His number 12 jersey became rather popular and it often adorned many fans in the stands. Eventually, his time with the Canes ran out and he went to a few different teams. Ahead of his official retirement, he signed a one-day contract to retire a Hurricane.
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At the same time, the team announced that it would officially be retiring his number. No one else will ever wear a Hurricanes number 12 jersey as long as they are a franchise.
This got NHL fans talking, and some are surprised by this move. It makes sense for a player to retire with the team he spent the most time with, but the jersey retirement is often reserved for legends. Many fans don't believe Staal is that.
"My Favorite, Glad he came home," one fan added.
"Hurricanes legend and a true champion!! Great decision to retire the number," another said.
"Thank you Eric, can’t wait to see it in the rafters next to you brother. And maybe we can get Wardo and Williams to join your number," one fan thanked him.
"Very happy for this and it’s 100% deserved. We saw several games in person where he flat-out dominated," another added.
Staal and his brother Jordan both spent a lot of time in a Hurricanes uniform and now Eric's will be immortalized.
Canes GM discusses Eric Staal jersey retirement
The Carolina Hurricanes are not that old. The franchise has been around for about two decades. Still, they've had some majorly impactful players throughout their days. Eric Staal is one of them.
GM Eric Tulsky said via NHL:
“Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history. Throughout his time in the Triangle, he made an immeasurable impact on his teammates, the organization and the community.
"We look forward to raising number 12 to the rafters and celebrating the career of a man who has meant so much to hockey fans in North Carolina.”
Staal added in his own statement that he's thankful for the coaches, organization, and his teammates.
