The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Tuesday they’ve signed gritty forward Phil Lane.

The 6-3, 205-pound forward signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Coyotes and is expected to play for the Coyotes AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, this season.

“As he develops his (playing weight) should be around 210-215lbs,” said Coyotes Asst. GM Brad Treliving. “He plays a hard game when playing well. Gets in on the forecheck and wears down opponents.”

Lane, who turned 20 today, hails from Greece, NY, a Rochester, NY suburb and home of former Pirate Derek Whitmore.

He played 53 games last season with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 15 goals, 26 assists for 41 points with 94 penalty minutes, which was good enough for third in team scoring.

In three seasons with Brampton, Lane scored 107 points (50g, 57a) and 259 PIM in 171 career regular season games.

Treliving said they the potential of Lane, but cautioned that he has a lot of developing to do to be an NHL player.

“He’s good on the (penalty kill) and can play in the hard areas,” said Treliving. “He has a lot of work to do, but he’s a big body who can move well.”

Lane was selected by the Coyotes in the second round (52nd overall) in the 2010 Entry Draft.