Eric Staal's No. 12 was retired by the Carolina Hurricanes, making him the fourth player in franchise history to receive this honor during a ceremony at the Lenovo Center before their game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Staal enjoyed a storied career, primarily with the Hurricanes, where he recorded 455 goals and 608 assists over 1,365 games. He captained the team from 2009 to 2016 and was a six-time All-Star, earning MVP in 2008. His contributions helped lead the franchise to a Stanley Cup victory in 2006, which he cites as the pinnacle of his career.