Longtime forward Eric Staal is officially returning to the NHL after not playing since the 2020-21 season. There have been rumours of his comeback for a few weeks now, and insider Frank Seravalli all but confirmed it Friday morning.
Staal, 37, will be joining an already front-heavy Panthers team, and his younger brother, defenseman Marc Staal.
Originally selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2003, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has appeared in 1,293 NHL games. He spent his first 12 seasons with the Hurricanes (seven as captain) before moving on to the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens.
In 17 total seasons, Staal recorded 441 goals and 593 assists for a total of 1034 points. He has also registered 59 points in 83 postseason games, as well as a Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Hurricanes.
