Abdelkader (undisclosed) simply took a maintenance day Friday, as he's expected to be in Saturday's lineup versus the Hurricanes, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader, who missed the most recent practice, curiously didn't lay any hits on the Sabres for what culminated as a 3-2 overtime loss Thursday, but he should be fine moving forward.

Abdelkader (undisclosed) did not practice Friday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The reason behind Abdelkader's absence was not immediately disclosed, but despite the fact that he notched a power-play goal in Thursday's game against the Sabres, he didn't record a single hit or blocked shots and that is cause for concern. Expect the do-it-all winger to be reevaluated ahead of Saturday's home game against the Hurricanes.

Abdelkader contributed a secondary assist to complement seven hits in Tuesday's 3-2 home loss to the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Seemingly willing to hit anything that moves, Abdelkader has accumulated 141 hits through 52 games this season, and he's only three away from last year's total in 12 fewer contests. Hockey pundits abound were scratching their heads when the Wings signed the Michigan native to seven years and $29.75 million annually in November of 2015, and it appears those concerns were valid. While Abdelkader does a little bit of everything for Detroit, he's far from a can't-miss fantasy commodity as the owner of 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) through 52 games.

Abdelkader found the back of the net in Sunday's 5-4 overtime road win over the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen was unable to corral the puck at center ice, and Abdelkader took full advantage, as he stormed toward the net and virtually juked the socks off netminder Braden Holtby with a stick-side tally. This was the ninth goal of the season for the Michigan native, who does a bit of everything for the Red Wings.

Abdelkader accumulated seven hits and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader's already tied his 21-point output from 2016-17 (in 19 fewer games) and he typically finds ways to contribute even when he doesn't directly factor into a scoring play. The Michigan native also has 121 hits and 42 PIM through 45 games to help owners in a couple of the ancillary categories.

Abdelkader registered three shots, two hits and a blocked shot in regulation and overtime Wednesday before scoring the winner in the shootout during a 2-1 victory over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

After missing the previous six games due to a lower-body injury, Abdelkader saw 13:48 of ice time and didn't show any rust. The veteran winger has only eight goals and 21 points in 42 games on the season, and he'll need a big second half if he's going to produce his third career 40-point campaign.

Coach Jeff Blashill told reporters he expects Abdelkader (lower body) to suit up against the Sharks on Wednesday, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Abdelkader -- who has scored in two consecutive outings prior to getting hurt -- returns to the lineup following a six-game absence. The 30-year-old has already matched his point total (21) from last year's injury-plagued campaign and could return to being a 40-point producer. The Michigan native will likely bump Martin Frk or Luke Witkowski from the lineup once given the green light.

Abdelkader (lower body) resumed skating Thursday, and he's targeting a return next Wednesday against the visiting Sharks, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This effectively rules Abdelkader out for Thursday's contest against the Blackhawks, but fans of the Wings must be relieved that he's drawing closer to a return. He does a little bit of everything on the ice, and needs just one more point to beat last season's totals, when he had seven goals and 14 helpers through 64 games.

Abdelkader (lower body) is close to returning to the lineup, and could return as soon as Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The fact Abdelkader could return Thursday is good for the Wings, but that also means he's ruled out for Monday and Tuesday's games. If the American winger doesn't see the ice Thursday against Chicago, then he will have the entire All-Star break to heal up, and should definitely be good to go then.

The Red Wings are hoping to get Abdelkader (lower body) back into the lineup ahead of the All-Star break, which commences next Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit has four games on the schedule before the All-Star fun begins, so there's a chance that Abdelkader could be rendered useful -- even in weekly settings -- ahead of such action. A fearless utility man, Abdelkader has pitched in eight goals, and 13 assists to match his points total in 23 fewer games than last season.