Abdelkader earned a full-time roster spot with Detroit in the 2010-11 season and concluded his NHL career with 739 games, 252 points (106-146—252) and 608 penalty minutes. The left winger wore the “A” on his Red Wings jersey from 2016-20 while also captaining Team USA at two World Championships (2014, 2021). Abdelkader spent his entire North American career in the Red Wings organization and appeared in eight Stanley Cup Playoff runs.

Before being selected 42nd overall by Detroit in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Abdelkader was named Mr. Hockey of Michigan in 2004 when he amassed 80 points (37-43—80) in 28 games with Mona Shores High School. He then went on to win the USHL’s Clark Cup with Cedar Rapids in 2004-05. After one year of junior hockey, Abdelkader played for Michigan State and registered 95 points (44-51—95) in 124 outings. He was named the NCAA Tournament MVP in 2007 when he helped lead the Spartans to a national championship.

Most recently, Abdelkader won a Switzerland National League Title with EV Zug in the 2020-21 season. Through 22 combined regular season and playoff games, the 34-year-old accumulated 17 points (10-7—17) and 69 penalty minutes.