As the Arizona Coyotes get ready to host Anaheim Thursday night, a pair of injured players are nearing a return to game action as the team fights for playoff position in the Pacific Division.
Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, who has played in just four games this season due to a broken fibula, has begun practicing with the team in a non-contact jersey.
In addition, Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper has begun skating on his own as he rehabs from a lower-body injury. It is unclear whether he will return before the All-Star break — or if he will play in the All-Star game — but Kuemper appears on track to return by early February at the latest.