Justin Abdelkader an alternate on U.S. Olympic team after release from Griffins PTO

Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader (8) is introduced before their NHL game against the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, on Sunday, October 6, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
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Justin Abdelkader has been released from his tryout with the Grand Rapids Griffins so he can be an alternate for the U.S. Olympic team.

Alternates are particularly important in this year’s tournament due to the potential for players to test positive for COVID-19. The 2022 Winter Olympics run from Feb. 4-20 in Beijing, China.

Abdelkader, 34, had no points in three games during his stint with the Griffins.

The former Detroit Red Wings forward hadn’t played since the 2021 World Championship, when he suffered a knee injury while serving as captain for Team USA.

Abdelkader won a Switzerland National League Title with EV Zug last season. He appeared in 22 games including the playoffs (10 goals, seven assists, 69 penalty minutes).

The Muskegon native and former Michigan State star spent 13 seasons with the Red Wings from 2008 to 2020, appearing in 739 games and collecting 106 goals and 252 points. He was named an alternate captain in 2016.

After struggling his final few seasons, the Red Wings bought out the final three years of Abdelkader’s contract in October 2020. He remains on Detroit’s cap through the 2025-26 season.

More: Abdelkader says he still has passion to play the game

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