RALEIGH, N.C. -- Eric Staal, the leading scorer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2006 when the Carolina Hurricanes won the Cup, had his jersey retired in a pregame ceremony before the Hurricanes hosted the Anaheim Ducks at Lenovo Center on Sunday.

The mantle went from Ron Francis and Glen Wesley to Rod Brind’Amour to Eric Staal, and he carried it alone for a long time, until it was no longer a privilege.

Eric Staal played 12 of his 18 seasons in the NHL with the Canes. Sunday, he’ll notch another milestone: His jersey will be retired at Lenovo Center.

Eric Staal, a Thunder Bay, Ontario, native and former No. 2 overall pick, became the fourth player to have his number retired by the Carolina Hurricanes when his No. 12 was raised at the Lenovo Center prior to a 3-2 OT loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

The Hurricanes tried to give Eric Staal a victory on his big day with a third-period rally, but the Ducks came away with an overtime win on Cutter Gauthier’s second goal of the game.

The former Minnesota Wild forward got his jersey retired by the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Eric Staal played 12 seasons with the Hurricanes. He recorded 322 goals, 453 assists, and 775 points in 909 games.