The Daily: Hurricanes Retiring Eric Staal’s Number; Pop Star Roots for Red Wings

Eric Staal’s one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes had the added value of the team announcing that his No. 12 will be hung from the rafters.

Staal, 39, joins Rod Brind’Amour (No. 17), Ron Francis (No. 10) and Glen Wesley (No. 2) who have previously had their number retired by Carolina.  The Thunder Bay, Ontario native spent 12 seasons with Carolina. He last played in the NHL in 2022-23 when he scored 14 goals for the Florida Panthers.  He finished his NHL career with 455 goals and 1,063 points. 

Staal signed his one-day deal Tuesday to allow him to retire as a member of the team that drafted him No. 2 overall in 2003. He helped the team win a Stanley Cup three years later. He played for Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and Panthers.

The Hurricanes said the number will be retired officially next season, but they have not decided on a date.

“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,” Staal said. “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.”

Red Wings In Case you Missed It

K-Pop  star Jeon Somi wears a Red Wings jersey in a TikTok video? Whose jersey do you think she wore? Your guess will probably be wrong.

Former Red Wings player Daniel Sprong hopes his Vancouver career will be more than one-and-done.

Paywall story: Ghosts of Red Wings first rounders past are starting to show up outside the NHL. Bob Duff has the story. If you need to subscribe, click here. To receive a $10 discount on a yearly subscription, use the promo code bob10.

Red Wings Offseason

In case you have forgotten, defenseman Josiah Didier will be back as Grand Rapids Griffins captain. He is signed through the 2024-25 season. The Griffins homepage has a look at the veteran defenseman.He is a former University of Denver player.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Nate Brown’s Blackhawks’ Prospect Rankings lays out how Ethan Del Mastro has evolved. Chicago Blackhawks.

New Jersey: The Devils reveal their succession plan for their goaltending. New Jersey Devils.

San Jose: Sharks broadcaster Bret Hedican left the team to join the Anaheim Ducks organization. San Jose Sharks.