Kuemper joins AHL for conditioning, could return for Coyotes on Tuesday

Darcy Kuemper appears to be nearing his return to the net.

The Arizona Coyotes assigned the 29-year-old goaltender to the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners on Saturday for conditioning purposes, the team announced.

Head coach Rick Tocchet said Kuemper will practice with the team Monday, and it's possible he starts against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

Kuemper hasn't played since exiting with a lower-body injury on Dec. 19 against the Minnesota Wild.

The 6-foot-5 puck-stopper was enjoying a career season before the injury, boasting a 15-8-2 record with a 2.17 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage.

Arizona has posted a 10-13-4 record in Kuemper's absence despite steady play from backup Antti Raanta. The Coyotes sit tied for the final Western Conference wild-card playoff berth entering Saturday's action.