Vanek (abdomen) isn't in the projected lineup for the season finale versus the Sabres on Saturday, Dave Hogg of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vanek was arguably the most impressive foward for the Red Wings in the first half of the 2016-17 campaign, but the team dynamic naturally changed over the duration of his three subsequent career stops between Florida, Vancouver and Columbus. His reunion tour with the Wings included 16 goals and 20 assists, but he worked against a minus-12 rating and did little to earn the trust of fantasy owners outside of a few hot streaks.

Vanek (abdomen) is projected to sit out again Thursday against the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Vanek's status is iffy, at best, for the remainder of the campaign, it shouldn't come as a shock that he will skip another contest. With only one game remaining on the schedule, it's looking highly likely he will finish 2018-19 with 36 points in 64 games. He would enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Vanek (abdomen) will not return to the action Tuesday and is a question mark the rest of the way, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vanek's issue is one of pain tolerance, making it unclear exactly whether or not he will be able to retake the ice. If he can't, the veteran blueliner will end his 2018-19 campaign with 36 points (16 goals and 20 assists) over 64 games. On just a one-year contract, there's no guarantee he will be back in Detroit next season.

Vanek (abdomen) is "assumed out" when the Red Wings play the Bruins on Sunday, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Wings have won six of the past 10 games to prove that they're not buying into the 'lose for (Jack) Hughes' mantra -- referring to the 17-year-old American prospect who is projected to be the No. 1 selection in the 2019 draft. Still, Vanek won't be rushed back with the team mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, and perhaps the soonest he'll return is Tuesday's home game against the Penguins.

Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said Vanek (abdomen) will miss at least the next couple games, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit only has six games remaining in the 2018-19 season, and Vanek's enigmatic ways probably had him confined to deep leagues in the first place. The Austrian's produced 16 goals and 20 assists through 64 games this season, which represents a 20-point dip compared to his Columbus-Vancouver service-time split in 2017-18.

Vanek (abdomen) will miss Monday's game versus the Sharks, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a bit surprising considering neither Vanek nor the team had anything to say about an injury following Saturday's win in Vegas. Detroit will enjoy two days off after Monday's contest, so Vanek could be back in the lineup Thursday in Buffalo. Failing that, he'll hope to make his return when the Red Wings are back home Friday to host the Devils.

Vanek scored twice in a 5-2 loss to St. Louis on Thursday night.

EDGE Analysis

Vanek has seven points, including four games, in his last nine games. His game is clearly on the decline, but he is 35. And this 35-year-old may have some late season fantasy value with this slight uptick in production.

Vanek (hip) will play Tuesday against the Avalanche, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vanek will return from a three-game string of absences. His hip-flexor injury didn't turn out to be a serious issue, so he'll presumably reprise his role as a third-liner with power-play responsibilities. The enigmatic winger has posted 12 goals and 17 assists through 54 games.

Vanek (hip) is slated to miss Saturday's game against the Coyotes, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

A previous report suggested that Vanek would have a chance to suit up for the road game against the 'Yotes, but the veteran must not have shown enough improvement since that news came out Thursday morning. Instead, he'll join Anthony Mantha (illness) in the press box, with the Wings shoring up their lines with AHL call-up Christoffer Ehn.

Vanek (hip) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that Vanek is trending in the right direction after missing the past two games with his hip-flexor injury. Should he return Saturday, we can see the team going back to its original plan of slotting him in alongside Filip Zadina, whom the Wings nabbed sixth overall in last year's draft.