The Canadian Press reports, “Even the chatter of NHL Network commentators wasn't going to stop Jared Staal from hearing his name called Saturday morning. Repeatedly hitting refresh on his home computer and watching TV, the youngest of the Staal brothers came close to missing the biggest moment of his life -- being selected 49th overall in the NHL entry draft by the Phoenix Coyotes.”

Bruce Heidman writes in the Sudbury Star, “It's old hat for one, a new experience for another. Sudbury Wolves forward Jared Staal has watched his three brothers go through NHL draft days, but now it's his turn. For Wolves teammate Eric O'Dell, it's a mystery -- one he can't wait to unravel. While there are no guarantees either will hear their names tonight when the first-round selections take place in Ottawa, both should expect to hear their names fairly early -- likely no later than the second round.”

Adam Kimelman writes on NHL.com, "Jared Staal, the 17-year-old forward for the Sudbury Wolves, is a bit of a cautionary tale for scouts. To whom, exactly, do you compare him? Do you examine his strengths and weaknesses as compared to the other top 2008 NHL Entry Draft-eligible forwards, like Steven Stamkos, Kyle Beach and Colin Wilson? Or do you measure him against one of his three NHL-playing older brothers, Eric, Marc and Jordan?"

Aaron Bell writes on CHL.ca, "Jared Staal was used to playing – a lot. As the fourth brother in his family destined to play in the National Hockey League, Staal was a key member of the Thunder Bay Kings minor midgets two seasons ago. He played in all situations and helped his team to a successful showing at the OHL Cup minor midget showcase tournament that spring. Fast forward a few months and Staal started his rookie campaign as a first round pick of the Sudbury Wolves. He was teammates with older brother Marc on a veteran squad that surprised many by skating their way to the OHL Championship Series against the eventual OHL champion Plymouth Whalers. Unfortunately for Jared, the wealth of veteran forwards like Nick Foligno, Justin Donati, Andrew Self and Matt Dias meant that he was relegated to a support role throughout the extended playoff run."

Jeff Giffen writes in the Sudbury Star, "It seems a lot has been written about what Jared Staal isn't. He didn't show the same offensive flair brothers Eric and Jordan did in their rookie seasons. As 16 year olds, the older boys had 49 and 28 points respectively. Jared managed just two goals and one assist. In his sophomore year with the Wolves, the youngest brother has become a scoring threat on most shifts, racking up 16 goals and 34 points. But, if the latest NHL Central Scouting rankings hold true, Jared may be the first Staal boy not to be selected in round one of the NHL entry draft. So what?"

Jason Hills writes in the Edmonton Sun, "Jared Staal wants to leave his own mark. All three of his older brothers have used the Home Hardware Top Prospects game as a stepping-stone to the National Hockey League. Jared now hopes it's his turn. 'I don't want to be known as just the youngest Staal brother. There is always pressure to be like my brothers, but I just want to be my own player. Parts of my game are similar to all of them, but I am my own player'."

Aaron Bell writes on NHL.com, "Talk about big skates to fill. Jared Staal barely is a month into his sophomore season in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sudbury Wolves and he already is one of the most talked about prospects in the hockey world. After a modest rookie season with limited ice time, Staal is off to a good start this year. He isn't rated as high as other top prospects, like Steven Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting or Drew Doughty of the Guelph Storm, but as the youngest of four siblings that all played in the OHL, the spotlight on Staal shines brightly."