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The Macomb Daily's Bruce MacLeod reports this morning that the Red Wings have signed prospect Justin Abdelkader to an amateur tryout contract and will likely have the forward in the lineup for tonight's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kirk Maltby is out tonight with an unspecified injury, creating the opening.
Maltby, who missed time earlier this season with a back injury, was injured while blocking a shot.
Abdelkader, a Muskegon native playing for Michigan State, was Detroit's 2nd round selection in 2005 (42nd overall). RedWingsCentral.com ranks Abdelkader as the Red Wings' No. 4 prospect behind Jimmy Howard, Jonathon Ericsson and Jakub Kindl.
Abdelkader stands 6'2" at 210lbs. and recently finished his junior season with the Spartans with 19 goals and 40 points in 42 games. He also added 107 penalty minutes.
MacLeod reports that Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill stated that the club is very close to signing Abdelkader to a three-year entry level contract. If Abdelkader signs with the team by Saturday the Red Wings plan to keep him with the club throughout the playoffs. Nill also added that the club is negotiating with prospect defenseman Logan Pyett (Regina, #12 RWC) on a three-year deal of his own.
