The Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill announced today that forward Justin Abdelkader is out at least three weeks. It is a “mid-body” injury and it will be unclear if he will get back in just three weeks.
#RedWings Blashill said Abdelkader our at least three weeks with a “mid-body” injury.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) November 11, 2019
Justin Abdelkader Out
Justin Abdelkader was drafted back in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 42nd overall choice in the second round. The 32-year-old has played his entire 13-year career with the Detroit Red Wings. He has played 706 games and tallied 106 goals, 146 assists for 252 points in those games. However, he has also added 587 penalty minutes. This season, Abdelkader has three assists in 16 games played.
Abdelkader is known as a leader for this Detroit team. While he isn’t what he used to be, he is still a guy who can play tough and get to the spots where others don’t want to. He has struggled this season in terms of possession with a CF% of 45.67% and an xGF% of 49.23%.
Moving Forward
The Red Wings may be glad they picked up Robby Fabbri, who already has two goals and an assist in two games. Guys like Fabbri may get more of a chance with this injury. The Wings have called up Givani Smith from the AHL. Smith has played three games so far this season. He was a second-round pick, 46th overall in 2016 by the Red Wings. However, at this time it is unclear if he will draw into the lineup each night.
Going forward, this Detroit team may miss Abdelkader in the room as much as on the ice. It is no secret the Wings are rebuilding and a key part of that is having the right culture in the room. Abdelkader is a battler, so look for him to get back as soon as possible.
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