The Staal father once said of his youngest child, Jared, that he is the most talented, but the least motivated, of the four brothers.

Jared Staal is ranked 57th overall in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft by the International Scouting Service.  He is 6'3", 195 pounds, a right-handed shot, and a right winger.  

He plays in the OHL for the Sudbury Wolves.  This year, he had 21 goals, 28 assists, and 49 points in 60 games for the Wolves.

His brothers, Eric, Jordan, and Marc, play for the Hurricanes, Penguins, and Rangers, respectively.  Eric and Jordan are established NHL stars, while Marc is a young defenseman still trying to make a name for himself.

So why is this Staal ranked so much lower than his brothers?

NHL scouts like his size and his willingness to go into the corners to battle for the puck.  The problem, however, is his quickness.  

Scouts and teams are concerned that he is not quick enough to make it in the new NHL.  His brothers are all extremely fast, yet he is just okay with speed.

I ranked him 29th on my NHL draft list. The Hockey News ranked him 31st, but no one knows how teams are ranking him on their draft lists.  If his problem truly is motivation, then expect Jared to drop for a long time in the draft come June.

However, if that is not a problem, and he seems destined to increase his quickness and agility, then expect him to go early in the second round.

Perhaps he will be the best of the four brothers.  

Only time will tell.