Eric Staal

Eric Staal is a Canadian center on the Carolina Hurricanes.

Staal was drafted by Carolina with the 2nd pick of the 2003 draft. He debuted that same year, and had 31 points in 81 games. After returning from the lockout, he posted 45 goals and 100 points in 2005-06, leading the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup. He is now recognized as one of the top forwards in the game.

Staal played for Canada at the 2007 and 2008 World Championships, winning a gold medal in ’07 and a silver in 2008.