Justin Abdelkader released from AHL tryout for a bigger opportunity

After a brief stint in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins, veteran forward Justin Abdelkader has been released from his professional tryout contract and has been named an alternate for the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

In a statement on Thursday, the team said, "The Grand Rapids Griffins on Thursday released left wing Justin Abdelkader from his professional tryout, as he'll be joining Team USA as an alternate for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China."

As an alternate, Abdelkader will only come on to their roster if there's an injury or COVID-19 related issue.

Abdelkader, 34, has a ton of experience at the international level, most recently captaining the United States at the 2021 IIHF World Hockey Championship where they brought home the bronze medal. Additionally, he's played for his country at two other World Championships and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

The Muskegon, Michigan native only appeared in three games for the Griffins during his PTO, putting up no points, had two penalty minutes and was a minus-three.

It's unclear what will come after the Olympics for the veteran of 739 NHL games. Will he return to Europe after a brief stint in Switzerland last year? Or will he try for an NHL comeback with a contending team? Given that he's only played twelve games since March 2020, it's hard to see the latter being a possibility. Regardless, it will be interesting to see where he goes.

The Griffins on Thursday released left wing Justin Abdelkader from his professional tryout, as he'll be joining Team USA as an alternate for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

Details >> https://t.co/nQ2PLN8OIM pic.twitter.com/pIjxKvwllh— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) January 27, 2022

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