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Doan (illness) returns to practice with Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes v Calgary Flames

CALGARY, AB - DECEMBER 4: Shane Doan #19 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 4, 2013 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Derek Leung

The Coyotes are closer to getting their captain back on the ice.

Forward Shane Doan rejoined the team at practice on Monday and after battling Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever for most of December. Doan says he’s happy to just be in shape enough to skate again as Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

“Being off three weeks, it’s tough on the body,” Doan said. “Being off and lying down and not really doing much and fighting whatever it is, it makes it hard.”

Doan is off antibiotics for the rare bacterial illness and the Coyotes’ offense could use him back.

The timing of his illness couldn’t have come at a worse time as he’s been solid this season with 23 points in 27 games. He’s also tied with Antoine Vermette for the team lead in goals with 12.

He last played December 4 against Calgary. The Coyotes have gone 3-2-5 while he’s been out with the illness.

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