Red Wings Reassign Downey; Recall Justin Abdelkader

[Thrillhouse]

DETROIT – The Red Wings announced today that they have recalled forward Justin Abdelkader from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, and reassigned forward Aaron Downey.

Abdelkader is fifth in scoring with the Griffins, compiling 14 goals and 13 assists in 44 games. The former Michigan State standout was named AHL Rookie of the Month for October after leading all rookie skaters with seven goals.

The 21-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Red Wings last April, forgoing his final year of college eligibility. Abdelkader played in two regular-season games for the Wings, but stayed with the club as a member of the ‘Black Aces’ during the team’s run to the Stanley Cup championship last spring. He gained valuable experience practicing with the Red Wings throughout the entire playoff run, and was on the ice in Pittsburgh when the Red Wings celebrated their championship.

Abdelkader may be best known for his heroics at MSU. The former Spartan scored the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the 2007 national championship over Boston College, lifting the Spartans to their third NCAA title.

Along with rookie forward Ville Leino, Downey, 34, was called up by the Red Wings this week. The moves were necessary to fill roster vacancy created by injuries to defenseman Brad Stuart (ribs) and forward Henrik Zetterberg (lower back).

Downey played in Thursday’s game against Dallas. The physical forward picked-up a roughing penalty as a result of a second-period altercation with Stars forward Krystofer Barch.

In 44 games with the Griffins this season, Downey has two goals, four assists, 71 penalty minutes, and seven fighting majors. He played in 56 games with the Red Wings last season, compiling 116 penalty minutes and three assists.

[skacore]

well... at least it's Abdelkader

[Viper207]

Babcock keeps talking about Downey "keeping the flies off" of the boys. So apparently "flies" is just code for "Ott"

I'm not happy, but yeah, at least it's Abdelkader.

[Sugden Flu]

Shocker!

[Colt Seavers]

Downey says-Thank you and good night.

Abdelkaders turn to display some grit!

[nyislesfan45]

That sucks, Abdelkaders not really a fighter, just grittier than the rest of the team.

[drwdan19]

Just as long as Maltby stays in the lineup...

F**K! MOTHERF**KER!!!!!

[caps87]

let me guess, downey checked someone last night?

[Colt Seavers]

Originally Posted by caps87

let me guess, downey checked someone last night?

Worse! He ALMOST had a fight with Barch! Damn him-getting demoted for doing his job!

[caps87]

Originally Posted by rjman48

Worse! He ALMOST had a fight with Barch! Damn him-getting demoted for doing his job!

well thats just unacceptable. no wonder they sent him down. can abdelkader fight?

[skacore]

Originally Posted by caps87

can abdelkader fight?

he's a scrappy young guy coming out of NCAA... 3 fights so far this year in the AHL, if he plays a handful of games I wouldn't be surprised to see him get his first NHL fighting major outta the way

[TheRevisionist]

Wow, that team is just, wow....

[vandymeer13]

I'm pissed as a fight fan but since I know Abs I'm not to pissed. He's not a great fighter but loves that part of the game and he told me when he played juniors that he would do it a lot more if he didn't have to sit in the box for 5 min or more. That was when he was a 1st line center in Cedar Rapids. But on the fourth line I'll bet he'll try ti make some waves considering they lack in the fighting department, unless Babcock tells him absolutley not.

[Anthony19]

Not bad should be an interesting game. Wouldn't mind seeing what Abelkader can do. Monday, Detroit plays St. Louis so Downey can be back up in that time. If they think Dallas is physical, wait til St. Louis comes into the Joe.

[UKRedWing]

****ing bull****. Downey played great last night against Dallas, and the energy he brought to the team made the JLA the loudest Ive heard it all season.

Whats this Ive been hearing about the wings being a loyal organisation? Cos theyve treated Aaron like ****...the guy gets voted player of the game last night by the fans, the Detroit sends him down.

****ing unbelievable. And it was recently announced that Red Wings tv ratings are down 21% this season...try and blame ****ing tv ratings on the economy Holland you ****.