RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has acquired the rights to right wing Jared Staal from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

“While Jared has yet to reach his full potential, we believe his upside gives him a chance play at the NHL level in the future,” said Rutherford. “This could be an ideal situation for Jared, to continue his development in the same system as his oldest brother, Eric.”

Staal, 19, totaled 12 goals and 37 assists (49 points) in 59 games this season for Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), leading the Wolves in assists (37). He also played in five games for San Antonio of the American Hockey League (AHL) at the conclusion of Sudbury’s season, earning one assist. Selected by the Coyotes in the second round, 49th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Staal has played four seasons for Sudbury, earning 54 goals and 99 assists (153 points) in 249 games played. He has one assist in 10 career AHL games, all with San Antonio. Staal (6’3”, 198 lbs.), scored a goal in the 2008 Top Prospects Game, and netted the game-winning goal for Sudbury in the 2007 OHL Conference Finals. Each of his three older brothers play in the NHL, including Eric, who serves as the Hurricanes’ captain.

The Hurricanes have until June 1 to sign Staal to an entry-level contract, or he would re-enter the draft. The pick traded for Staal originally belonged to the Nashville Predators, and was conditionally acquired by the Hurricanes on June 19, 2008, along with Darcy Hordichuk in exchange for Carolina’s fifth-round pick in 2009.