Justin Abdelkader Injury: Updates on Red Wings Star's Knee and Return

Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader is set to miss two-to-four weeks after suffering a knee injury.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Abdelkader's Playing Status

Friday, Dec. 2

According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, the left winger is dealing with a slight MCL sprain that will necessitate some lineup shuffling.

Abdelkader exited Detroit's 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers Thursday with what the team initially called a lower-body injury.

The 29-year-old Abdelkader is a key contributor to the Red Wings due to the size and physicality he brings to the table.

At 6'2" and 218 pounds, he is difficult to move from the front of the net, and he isn't afraid to throw his body around.

Abdelkader's statistical production has been modest this season with four goals and four assists in 22 games, but he is coming off consecutive campaigns with at least 19 goals and 42 points.

The American's presence is also important from a leadership perspective, as he is one of the Red Wings alternate captains.

Detroit is off to an uneven start at 11-10-3, leaving it two points out of the Eastern Conference playoffs currently.

Being without Abdelkader for as much as a month could make keeping pace difficult, but look for big-bodied rookie Anthony Mantha to take on a greater role in his absence and potentially establish himself as a top forward after already tallying five points in nine games.

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