Happy Trails: Abdelkader Back to GR
January 29th, 2010 | by Chris Hollis |
In a move that should be a surprise to no one, Justin Abdelkader was officially sent back down to Grand Rapids today.
The Red Wings sent forward Justin Abdelkader to Grand Rapids on Friday in anticipation of two player moves this weekend.
Like I said, no real surprise here. Abdelkader didn’t have to clear waivers to make the move, and with Jason Williams returning to the lineup tonight and now, presumably, Tomas Holmstrom making his return on Sunday in Pittsburgh, this was a no-brainer.
There were some making the case for Abdelkader to stay up with the team because of the physical presence he’s been bringing to the table (12th in the NHL in hits), but for a team that has grinding players already in the lineup and is struggling to score points, this move makes alot of sense. Although, I do have to admit that I liked his grit in trying to start a fight at the end of the Minnesota game in one last attempt to make his presence known before heading back to Grand Rapids. Ballsy.
Fear not, though, as Abdelkader can be re-added to the roster if the Wings decide to wake up and get themselves into the playoffs, since the cap and roster limits don’t figure in.
