Ducks winger Joffrey Lupul has been assigned to the Syracuse Crunch on a long-term injury
conditioning loan.

Under this scenario, Lupul can play up to three
games for the Ducks’ American Hockey League affiliate. Syracuse has a road game tonight against the Toronto Marlies, a home game Sunday against the Hamilton Bulldogs, and a road game next Friday against the Rochester Americans. Lupul, who is not on the Ducks’ 23-man roster, is expected to play tonight.

After the three games, the club can either recall Lupul to the
NHL, or apply for a two-game AHL extension.

The 27-year-old winger hasn’t appeared in an AHL game since the 2004-05 lockout season,  when he was a member of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. Lupul hasn’t played in a game at all since Dec. 8 of last season. Earlier this week, Lupul said playing in a game was the next step for him, and it looks like that step will come tonight.