Abdelkader agreed to terms on a professional tryout agreement with AHL Grand Rapids on Friday.
Abdelkader was designated for waivers Tuesday by Detroit for purpose of buying out his contract.
Abdelkader won't play Tuesday against Carolina due to an illness, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.
Abdelkader was limited to 8:15 of ice time in Sunday's 5-4 shootout win over the Lightning.
Abdelkader has gone nearly three months without recording a point.
Abdelkader has watched the past two games from the press box.
Abdelkader (hand) was minus-1 in 11:46 of playing time Tuesday in a 5-1 loss to Winnipeg.
Abdelkader (hand) will play Tuesday in Winnipeg, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Abdelkader (hand) is expected to return against the Jets on Tuesday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.
Abdelkader was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.