The Grand Rapids Griffins have come to an agreement with former Red Wing and Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader on a professional tryout contract. According to the agreement, a professional tryout is limited to 25 games, and after the completion of the PTO, Abdelkader can sign a regular American Hockey League contract or sign a PTO with another AHL team.
According to the Grand Rapids Griffins press release, Abdelkader competed with the Griffins for two seasons from 2008-10 before moving on to the Detroit Red Wings, where he ultimately played parts of 13 seasons. The Muskegon, Mich., native became the first West Michigan native to suit up for Grand Rapids when he made his AHL debut on Oct. 11, 2008. Abdelkader skated in 109 games for the Griffins and totaled 76 points (35-41—76) and 188 penalty minutes, earning AHL All-Rookie Team honors during the 2008-09 season when he logged 52 points (24-28—52) in 76 contests.
Most recently, Abdelkader won a Switzerland National League Title with EV Zug in the 2020-21 season. Through 22 combined regular season and playoff games, the 34-year-old accumulated 17 points (10-7—17) and 69 penalty minutes.
