Abdelkader agreed to terms on a professional tryout agreement with AHL Grand Rapids on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader spent the 2020-21 season playing overseas for Zug EV (Switzerland) in which he tallied eight points in nine contests. The last time the 34-year-old winger appeared in a minor-league contest was back in 2009-10, logging 33 games for the Griffins and tallying 24 points. If Abdelkader can show he still has something left in the tank, he could convince the Red Wings to give him at least a two-way deal that would allow him to jump up to the NHL from time to time.

Abdelkader was designated for waivers Tuesday by Detroit for the purpose of buying out his contract.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader had three years remaining on the seven-year, $29.75 million deal signed back in November of 2015. By buying out his contract, the Wings will save $2.4 million against this cap this season, which will drop to $1.9 million for the following two. If the 33-year-old signs with another club, he will bring plenty of experience having spent 13 seasons playing in the NHL (106 goals and 146 assists).

Abdelkader mustered just three assists in 49 games this season prior to the suspension of play in mid-March.

EDGE Analysis

The 33-year-old has never been a prolific producer, but he's been a shade of his former self in 2019-20. Abdelkader topped out at 23 goals and 44 points -- both in 2014-15 -- and has always mixed in above-average physicality (207 hits were his most in 2015-16) with serviceable secondary scoring. But with three years remaining on his contract at $4.25 million, four late-season healthy scratches and not a single goal to his name in just 11:32 of average ice time this season, owners across the fantasy spectrum should probably move on from Abdelkader.

Abdelkader won't play Tuesday against Carolina due to an illness, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings believe Abdelkader is dealing with a "regular" illness rather than anything serious, but he'll be sidelined for at least one contest. Either way, the veteran winger has only picked up three points in 49 games this campaign, so there's no reason for fantasy owners to track his availability.

Abdelkader was limited to 8:15 of ice time in Sunday's 5-4 shootout win over the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Looking nothing like a player that deserves to be paid $4.25 million per season, Abdelkader was utilized for just 11 shifts in the divisional clash. He hasn't cracked the scoresheet since Oct. 23 and has compiled only three points (all assists) through 48 games. Obviously, he's lost track of his offensive game, but Abby's minus-14 rating isn't all that bad considering the Red Wings have an abysmal minus-119 goal differential this year.

Abdelkader has gone nearly three months without recording a point.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader was relegated to the press box in the late stages of 2019, but he's seeing the ice out of necessity given that Detroit's had several forwards sustain injuries ahead of the All-Star break. The physical fourth-line winger is up to 71 hits, albeit looking nothing look like the guy who achieved back-to-back 40-plus-point seasons in his prime.

Abdelkader has watched the past two games from the press box.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader has been a major letdown in the attacking zone, which is best illustrated by his running total of three points (all assists) through 20 games. On a positive note, with a neutral plus-minus rating, he's one of only four Red Wings not owning a negative mark in that popular category. Head coach Jeff Blashill recently complimented the veteran winger on his work ethic in a report by Ansar Khan of MLive.com. "I am not sending a message (with the benching) per se," Blashill said. "First of all, I think Justin is a great person, a really good pro, has been a really good Red Wing, cares a ton about being a Red Wing, so I really don't like to put him in a position where we have to talk about this because he works hard, competes hard."

Abdelkader (hand) was minus-1 in 11:46 of playing time Tuesday in a 5-1 loss to Winnipeg.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader had missed the previous 12 games with his hand injury. He had an uneventful night in his return to the lineup and remains without a goal through 17 games this season.

Abdelkader (hand) will play Tuesday in Winnipeg, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following a 12-game absence, Abdelkader will return to game action, still searching for his first goal of the season. The 32-year-old has been limited to three assists in his 16 appearances in 2019-20, so a healthy Abdelkader is still not worth owning in fantasy.

Abdelkader (hand) is expected to return against the Jets on Tuesday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit desperately needs a boost having lost nine consecutive regulation games. While Abdelkader has been a big disappointment in the attacking zone with three helpers representing his point total between 16 games this season, he provides grit and utility on the penalty kill. His imminent removal from injured reserve will be the clear sign that he's ready to rock.