Before winning the Stanley Cup, Eric Staal had a dream 2005-06 season. He had reached the 100-point plateau (45 goals, 55 assists) for the first time in his career. And once in the playoffs, he led the NHL with 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 25 games.
During his last four seasons in Carolina, Eric was able to play alongside his brother Jordan, who is currently captain of the Hurricanes.
“My departure put a lot on his shoulders. The first years after I left were filled with challenges for Jordan, said his eldest. But I’m very proud of how he and the team overcame these challenges. They have a good core now, a winning culture that is ingrained, and Jordan is a big reason why. I am grateful for the years we spent here together. »
Staal participated in a meeting with fans earlier Sunday, an activity that made him realize the magnitude of the legacy he left in the Carolina hockey market.
“Several of them brought photos from their youth and told me I was the reason they signed up for hockey,” he said. It touches me deeply, it’s a great experience to be able to hear these people tell me their story. »
Staal retired at the end of the 2022-23 season. He collected 1,063 points (455 goals, 608 assists) in 1,365 games with the Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers. He and his wife Tanya are currently raising their three children – ages 15, 13 and 10 – in Minnesota.
“Saturdays are busy,” confided the forty-year-old, with a smile on his face. “Time flies. I drop the kids off at school and I coach in my spare time too. From 3 p.m. onwards, I’m everywhere. But I like it. I have a good life. »
Staal does not rule out, however, the possibility of returning to the highest levels of hockey within a few years.
“I would like to find this universe eventually,” he said. But with the age our children are now, it would be difficult for me to leave the house and be absent from their tournaments or their matches. We’re at a point in their lives where I can spend a lot of time with them. It’s a real pleasure for me. »
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