Jared Staal

The youngest of the four Staal brothers will play out the third and final year of his entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in 2012-2013. This 22 year-old’s imposing size and strong right-handed shot have many scouts projecting him to some day produce in the NHL at a level similar to that of his older brothers. Jared’s playing for a new contract this year makes the upcoming season a fine candidate to be his breakthrough campaign after putting up six points in 37 games with AHL Charlotte.

Staal has hockey bloodlines working in his favor, but he will need to fine tune his game in the minors before joining older brothers Eric, Marc and Jordan in the NHL. In 2010-11, the youngest Staal played 33 games worth of mid-level professional hockey with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, notching six goals and five assists in 33 games. He also appeared in 13 regular-season contests with AHL Charlotte, but had just two points - a goal and an assist. Expect much more from Jared Staal in the next couple of years.

Staal has three older brothers in the NHL, including Eric, the Hurricanes' team captain. Jared signed a three-year deal with the 'Canes in May of 2010, suggesting that he'll be worked into the parent organization's plans in the coming years. Until then, he could get more practice with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL. His development could very well be accelerated with some help from his brothers.

Staal should be set for an entire season in the AHL after coming over to play for San Antonio last season once the OHL season ended. He was Phoenix's second round pick in 2008, and will be in Las Vegas of the AHL now after the Coyotes changed affiliates over the summer. After a full year in the AHL, the organization should have a clearer picture of what to expect from Staal down the road.