Ducks send Lupul to minors for conditioning in comeback from blood infection

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Anaheim Ducks assigned right-wing Joffrey Lupul to their AHL affiliate in Syracuse for perhaps the final step in his lengthy comeback from a blood infection.

The Ducks sent Lupul to Syracuse on Saturday on a three-game loan. He played in the Crunch's 2-1 loss to the Toronto Marlies later in the day.

Lupul could return to Anaheim next week.

Lupul has been skating with the Ducks for roughly three weeks in his first action since undergoing back surgery in December. He developed an infection during surgery, requiring several months of antibiotics and rest to beat it.

Anaheim reacquired Lupul in a trade for Chris Pronger in June 2009. He scored 10 goals in his first 23 games last season before getting sidelined.