Eric Staal Biography
Staal was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, as the son of sod farmers Henry and Linda Staal. All four of his grandparents were Dutch immigrants. He began playing hockey at the age of four, and in addition to learning how to use farming tools, he participated in a home ice rink with his three younger siblings.
Eric Craig Staal (born October 29, 1984) is a Canadian professional ice hockey center who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He has formerly played with the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, and Montreal Canadiens. Eric is the oldest of the Staal brothers, who include former teammates Marc, Jordan, and Jared.
Staal is a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006, as well as the 2007 World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics with Team Canada.
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INFO
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Stick Hand
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Left
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Age
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39
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Date of Birth
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10/29/1984
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Height, Weight
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6’4″, 195 lbs
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From
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Thunder Bay, ON
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Drafted
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2003 – Round 1
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Eric Staal’s Early Life
Staal was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, as the son of sod farmers Henry and Linda Staal. All four of his grandparents were Dutch immigrants. He began playing hockey at the age of four, and along with learning how to use farming tools, he participated on a home ice rink with his three younger siblings. Growing up, his idols were Joe Sakic and Wayne Gretzky, both forwards. Staal got his jersey number 12 from his father, who wore it while playing hockey for the Lakehead Thunderwolves from 1978 to 1983.
Eric Staal’s Playing career
Staal grew up playing minor hockey in Thunder Bay, where he played for the Thunder Bay Kings and led his Bantam club to an All-Ontario Championship in 1999-2000. After the season, the Peterborough Petes selected Staal in the first round, 13th overall, in the 2000 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Draft. Even though his father, Henry, did not believe Eric was ready for the OHL, Staal finished his debut season with 49 points in 63 games. His scoring totals climbed the next season when he scored 62 points.
In his draft year, Staal led the Petes in scoring with 39 goals and 98 points. He was named to both the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) First All-Star Team and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Second All-Star Team.[8] Staal also skated in the CHL Top Prospects Game, recording a single assist.
Carolina Hurricanes (2003–2016)
The Carolina Hurricanes selected Staal second overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, behind first-round pick Marc-André Fleury. He played his first season in the NHL immediately after being picked. Staal participated in the YoungStars Game as part of the 2004 NHL All-Star Weekend.
The 2004-05 season was canceled due to a lockout, therefore Staal spent the season with the Hurricanes’ American Hockey League (AHL) club, the Lowell Lock Monsters. He set new franchise records in points (77), assists (51), plus-minus (+37), and shorthanded goals (7) in a season, and he was also invited to the AHL All-Star Classic.
In the 2005-06 season, Staal collected a career-high 100 points in the regular season and was awarded NHL Offensive Player of the Week from October 23-30, 2005, the same week he scored his first career hat-trick against the Philadelphia Flyers. He then led the Hurricanes in points during the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs, with 28 as they won the Cup. After the season, Staal finished fourth in votes for the Hart Memorial Trophy, which is given to the NHL’s most valuable player. After the successful season, on July 1, 2006, Staal signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract deal with the Hurricanes.
Staal made his All-Star debut at the 2007 All-Star Game in Dallas, scoring the Eastern Conference’s third goal. His overall production dropped from the previous season, totaling just 70 points.
Staal scored two goals and assisted once during the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta on January 27, 2008. He also received the MVP award for the event.
On September 11, 2008, Staal signed a seven-year, $57.75 million contract deal with the Hurricanes, which will begin in the 2009-10 season. Staal was due to become a restricted free agency on July 1, 2009, but signed despite having one year and $5 million remaining on his previous contract.
On April 28, 2009, Staal completed an incredible comeback by scoring the series-winning goal with 31.7 seconds left in Game 7 of Carolina’s first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Devils. His game-winning goal earned the comeback triumph the nickname “Shock at the Rock.” The Hurricanes advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the eventual Stanley Cup champions.
On May 8, 2009, Staal scored twice to reach 40 career post-season points, surpassing Ron Francis’ team record of 39.
On January 20, 2010, Staal was chosen team captain, succeeding Rod Brind’Amour, who was designated as alternate captain. Staal became the team’s fifth captain since its relocation from Hartford to Raleigh, North Carolina.
On January 18, 2011, Staal was named one of two team captains for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, which took place in the Hurricanes’ hometown of Raleigh. Team Staal lost 10-11 against Team Lidstrom, who was led by Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidström.
New York Rangers (2016)
On February 28, 2016, Staal, who was in his final year of contract, was sold to the New York Rangers for Aleksi Saarela and two second-round draft picks (2016 and 2017). Eric moved to New York with brother Marc, but struggled with the Rangers, scoring six points in 20 regular-season games and zero points in a five-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Minnesota Wild (2016–2020)
On July 1, 2016, as a free agent, Staal signed a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild. Staal finished his first season with the Wild with 28 goals and 65 points.
Staal’s 2017-18 season was significant since he played his 1,000th game on March 19, 2017, and was selected to his sixth NHL All-Star Game. Staal finished the season with 42 goals, his first 40+ goal season since 2008-09.
On February 25, 2019, Staal signed a two-year, $6.5 million deal with the Wild. On December 15, 2019, Staal became the 89th player ever to score 1000 career points.
Buffalo Sabres (2020–2021)
After finishing his fourth season with the Wild and entering his final season under contract, Staal was moved by Minnesota to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for winger Marcus Johansson on September 16, 2020.
Montreal Canadiens (2021)
On March 26, 2021, the Buffalo Sabres transferred Staal to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the third and fifth-round picks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Later years and Florida Panthers (2022–present)
As a free agent from the Canadiens, Staal remained unsigned heading into the 2021-22 season. Staal, who hopes to join Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics, began his professional career on January 13, 2022, by signing a professional tryout deal with the Iowa Wild of the AHL, an affiliate of his old team the Minnesota Wild. The following day, Staal made his AHL debut for Iowa, scoring a goal and adding an assist against the Chicago Wolves in his first game in more than 16 years. Staal scored two goals and five points in four matches with the Iowa Wild before being released from his tryout on January 23, 2022.
Staal did not play in any NHL games during the 2021-22 season. In July 2022, Staal signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Florida Panthers, joining his brother Marc. Shortly after, Staal signed a one-year contract with Florida. Eric and his brother Marc refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys in pre-game warmups as part of the Panthers’ annual Pride Night in March 2023, citing their Christian faith as the reason for their decision; however, Eric did wear a Pride-themed jersey while playing for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2020-21 NHL season. The rest of the Florida Panthers squad members wore the jerseys during warmups, which will be eventually auctioned for charity
Eric Staal International play
Staal received his first call-up to Team Canada for the 2007 World Championships in Moscow. He won gold with younger brother Jordan in a 4-2 victory over Finland, scoring five goals, including the overtime winner against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. The following year, Staal competed with Team Canada in the 2008 World Championships in Quebec City, winning a silver medal. He scored eight goals in the tournament, four of which came in Canada’s 10-1 thrashing against Germany.
Four years after being appointed to Canada’s taxi squad for the 2006 Winter Olympics, Staal was chosen for the Canadian team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He started with Sidney Crosby and Jarome Iginla and contributed one goal and five assists on the way to a gold medal. Staal became the 23rd member of the Triple Gold Club after winning the Olympics, the NHL, and the World Championship.
Staal was appointed Captain of Team Canada during the 2013 World Championships in Stockholm. He was hurt in the first period of Canada’s quarter-final loss to eventual champions Sweden, following a knee-on-knee collision by defenceman Alexander Edler.
In 2022, Staal led Team Canada to sixth place at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Eric Staal’s Personal Life
Staal married his longtime fiancée, Tanya Van den Broeke, on August 3, 2007. The couple has three boys. Staal is a Christian.
In 2012, the Staal Brothers founded the Staal Family Foundation, which aims to “help improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.”
Notes and Transactions
- OHL Second All-Star Team (2003)
- Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (2003)
- NHL Second All-Star Team (2006)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2020)
- Traded to NY Rangers by Carolina for Aleksi Saarela, NY Rangers’ 2nd round pick (later traded to Chicago — Chicago selected Artur Kayumov) in the 2016 NHL Draft, and NY Rangers’ 2nd round pick (Luke Martin) in the 2017 NHL Draft, February 28, 2016.
- Signed as a free agent by Minnesota, on July 1, 2016.
- Traded to Buffalo by Minnesota for Marcus Johansson, on September 16, 2020.
- Traded to Montreal by Buffalo for a 3rd-round and 5th-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, March 26, 2021.
- Signed as a free agent by Florida, October 21, 2022.
Eric Staal Facts
He grew up working on his father’s sod farm and playing hockey with his brothers on a handmade rink.
The Carolina Hurricanes took the second overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft.
Won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006.
As a member of Team Canada, won the World Championship in 2007 and the Olympic gold medal in 2010.
Was the MVP of the 2008 All-Star game.
Named captain of the Hurricanes in 2010.
Actively participates in charity activities in Raleigh, NC, including hosting a golf event to support cancer research.
He wears No. 12 on his uniform like his father did when he played.
Eric Staal Relationship
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Jared Staal — Brother
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Jordan Staal — Brother
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Marc Staal — Brother
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Henry Staal — Father
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Linda Staal — Mother
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Levi John Staal — Son
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Parker Lucas Staal — Son
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Tanya Van den Broeke — Wife
Who Is Eric Staal?
Eric, the oldest of the four hockey-playing Staal brothers, is a member of hockey’s Triple Gold Club, having won a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, an IIHF World Championship with Canada in 2007, and a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.
Staal spent a decade rewriting the Hurricanes’ record books. Carolina selected him with the second overall choice in the 2003 NHL Draft, and his outstanding hands and 6-foot-4 physique enabled him to make the transition from junior hockey to the NHL at the age of 19. He played 81 games in 2003-04, ending ninth among rookies with 31 points. Staal also competed in the Young Stars Game at NHL All-Star Weekend and finished 15th in Calder Trophy voting.
But in 2005-06, Staal established himself as one of the NHL’s premier players. With 45 goals and 100 points, he cracked the League’s top ten in each category. He also made the NHL’s Second All-Star Team and finished fourth in voting for the Hart Trophy. Staal then helped the Hurricanes win their first championship, leading all players with 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists) in 25 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
From 2005-06 to 2014-15, Staal was the Hurricanes’ leading scorer eight times and appeared in four NHL All-Star Games. His 349-game stretch from March 20, 2004, to November 1, 2009, was a franchise record during his time in Carolina. In January 2010, Staal succeeded Rod Brind’Amour as captain.
On April 25, 2013, he started a game against the New York Rangers, along with two of his brothers, forwards Jordan and Jared, and the fourth, defenseman Marc Staal. However, after struggling to generate offense in 2015-16 (10 goals and 33 points in 63 games), Staal was dealt to the Rangers by the Hurricanes on February 28, 2016.
Staal had six points (three goals, three assists) in 20 regular-season games for the Rangers, who lost the Eastern Conference First-Round series to the eventual Stanley Cup winner Pittsburgh Penguins. On July 1, 2016, Staal agreed to a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild.
The move to Minnesota seemed to rejuvenate Staal. He concluded 2016-17 with 28 goals and 65 points, his best in a single season since 2010-11. In 2017-18, the 33-year-old center scored 42 goals (fourth in the NHL) and totaled 76 points. He and Gordie Howe are the only players in NHL history to have 40-goal seasons at least nine seasons apart, with no in-between.
On December 15, 2019, Staal scored a power-play goal against the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming the 89th player in the NHL to reach 1,000 points.
Staal signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers on October 21, 2022, after joining them during training camp on a professional tryout contract. He spent the previous season with Iowa, the Wild’s American Hockey League club, after signing a PTO with them. He got four points (one goal, three assists) in five games and served as captain for Canada, which finished sixth.
Staal played his 1,300th NHL game on November 9, a 3-0 Panthers victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at FLA Live Arena, where he made his NHL debut alongside younger brothers Marc and Jordan. Eric became the 64th player in NHL history to attain the milestone, and he played the same game as his brothers for the first time in almost six years.
He scored his first short-handed goal in his 100th NHL playoffs game, Florida’s 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. It was his first goal in the Final in 17 years, the longest gap in NHL history, surpassing Mark Recchi (15 years, from Game 5 in 1991 to Game 2 in 2006).
What is Eric Staal’s Net Worth?
Eric Staal’s overall net worth is approximately $40 million.
What is Eric Staal’s age, height, and weight?
Eric Staal was born on October 29, 1984, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, to Henry and Linda Staal. He is currently 39 years old. He stands 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall and weighs 88 kilos (195 pounds).
What is Eric Staal’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Eric Staal was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. He is a Canadian citizen who is white.
What is Eric Staal’s profession?
Eric Staal is a professional hockey player. He most recently played for the Florida Panthers and is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Who are Eric Staal’s Parents?
Eric Staal’s parents are Henry and Linda Staal.
Does Eric Staal have siblings?
Yes, Eric Staal has three younger brothers. They’re Marc Staal, Jordan Staal, and Jared Staal. All four brothers are professional ice hockey players who have all had contracts with the National Hockey League.
Who is Eric Staal married to?
Eric Staal is married to Tanya Staal (née Van den Broeke).
Does Eric Staal have children?
Yes, Eric Staal and his wife have three children together. Their names are Parker Lucas Staal, Finley Arthur Staal, and Levi John Staal.
