
Helm Departs, Abdelkader Returns
February 3, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday recalled center Darren Helm from the Grand Rapids Griffins and assigned center Justin Abdelkader to their American Hockey League affiliate.
Helm returned to the Griffins' lineup last weekend after missing seven straight games due to injury, contributing a goal and three assists in the two-game set against Rochester. He has appeared in 37 games for Grand Rapids this season, placing fourth on the club with 31 points (11-20-31).
After playing in 18 playoff games for Detroit last season and getting his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, Helm skated in three games with the Red Wings earlier this year, going scoreless while averaging 10:13 of ice time. He will be available to play for the Wings on Wednesday when they host Phoenix at 7:30 p.m.
Abdelkader saw his first action of the season with the Red Wings on Saturday in their 4-2 loss at Washington, before also playing in their 4-3 shootout win over St. Louis on Monday. He went scoreless in the two games while averaging 9:17 of ice time.
Named the AHL's Rookie of the Month for October, Abdelkader currently ranks among the Griffins' leaders with 14 goals (4th), 27 points (T7th), six power play goals (3rd) and 59 penalty minutes (2nd), while also placing among the AHL's top rookies in goals (T7th) and points (15th).
The Griffins (29-9-6-4) will commence a stretch of four games in five nights on Wednesday, when they travel to Quad City to fight the Flames at 8:05 p.m. EST.
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