Jordan Staal Traded To Hurricanes: Penguins Get Brandon Sutter, 8th Overall Pick In Return

April 20, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Cooke (24) congratulates Penguins center Jordan Staal (11) after Staal scored a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period in game five of the 2012 Eastern Conference quarterfinals at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Jordan Staal is headed to the Carolina Hurricanes after a draft-day trade.

On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the massive draft-day trade everyone was hoping for when the team sent center Jordan Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes for the No. 8 overall selection in the 2012 Draft, Brandon Sutter and goaltending prospect Brian Dumoulin.

The Penguins ultimately used the No. 8 overall selection to take Derrick Pouliot, a defenseman from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.

When the Penguins made the selection, team general manager Ray Shero made sure to thank Staal for his service.

"I'd like to thank Jordan Staal for six great years here in Pittsburgh."

It was reported that Staal had turned down a 10-year, $60 million contract extension offer with the Penguins. Considering that Staal and superstar forward Sidney Crosby both were going to become unrestricted free agents following the 2012-13 season, many assumed the Penguins would have to move Staal.

Staal will now have the chance to play with his brother, Eric, as a member of the Hurricanes.

It must be noted that Jordan was set to be married on Friday night and, while most players don't look forward to being moved, the chance to play with his brother will surely help the celebration.

Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the 2012 NHL Draft. For team-by-team coverage of the draft, check out our network of hockey blogs.