Justin Abdelkader News

Abdelkader (lower-body) did not practice on Monday; has not been ruled out for Tuesday’s game.

Abdelkader was a late scratch on Saturday and missed Monday’s practice, but head coach Jeff Blashill would not rule Abdelkader out for Tuesday’s game. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate.

Justin Abdelkader
The Red Wings have signed Justin Abdelkader to a seven-year deal worth $28.75M ($4.25M AAV).

Abdelkader, who had a career-high 23 goals and 21 assists last season, opened this year with a hat trick, but since then he has only scored one goal with three assists in 14 games. Abdelkader will be paid $4.5 million until he is 36-years-old.

Justin Abdelkader
Abdelkader (hand) will be back in the Red Wings lineup in Game 3.

After missing the first two games of the series, Abdelkader confirmed on Monday that he will return to the lineup in Game 3. With Abdelkader back in, Stephen Weiss will come out. Abdelkader was arguably the Red Wings best player in the final month of the season and his hard-nosed style of play should be huge for them on Tuesday.

Justin Abdelkader
Abdelkader (shoulder) will return to the Red Wings lineup.

Head coach Mike Babcock said on Monday that he expected to have Abdelkader back in the lineup tonight and he will return after missing the last seven games with a separated shoulder. Abdelkader will skate on the Red Wings’ top line with Henrik Zetterberg and Gustav Nyquist. He has 15 points (7G / 8A) in 24 games this season.

Justin Abdelkader
Abdelkader (shoulder) is practising with a no-contact jersey.

Abdelkader has missed the last four games with a separated shoulder, but participated in his first practice since suffering the injury on Tuesday. He is not expected to be in the lineup tomorrow vs. the Maple Leafs and he is likely still at least one week away from returning.

Justin Abdelkader
Abdelkader’s shoulder injury is not serious; he is day-to-day.

Red Wings’ GM Ken Holland said that Abdelkader is dealing with a “low-level [shoulder] injury, we’ll see how fast he heals.” Abby has already been ruled out of Tuesday’s game so monitor his status prior to Thursday’s game vs. Dallas.

Justin Abdelkader
Abdelkader (shoulder) will not play on Tuesday; he is day-to-day.

Abdelkader was injured on a hit from Canucks’ defenseman Luca Sbisa in Sunday’s win. Coach Mike Babcock had no update on Abby other than he is out and day-to-day. With Abdelkader out, Johan Franzen will move up to the top-line with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

Justin Abdelkader