Jared Staal closer to joining brothers in NHL

Jared Staal is a step away from becoming the fourth Staal brother in the NHL.

The 18-year-old signed an amateur tryout contract with San Antonio of the American Hockey League on Friday.

The Rampage are the AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes, who drafted the youngest Staal in the second round of last year's draft. The 6-foot-3 right wing will spend the rest of the season with the Rampage.

His three brothers are all playing in the NHL: Eric (Carolina), Marc (N.Y. Rangers) and Jordan (Pittsburgh).

Staal had 52 points (19-33) in 67 regular-season games with the Ontario Hockey League's Sudbury Wolves. He added one assist in three playoff games before the Wolves were eliminated last week.