Detroit moves on from veteran forward

The Detroit Red Wings announced today they have placed veteran forward Justin Abdelkader on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout. Abdelkader had three years left on his current contract, and the buyout will span over the next six seasons. Each season the cap hit for the Red Wings will fluctuate between $1 million and $2.3 million.

Update: Forward Justin Abdelkader has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout.— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 6, 2020

With 3 years remaining on Abdelkader's contract, a buyout will span 6 years for the #RedWings

The c/h buyout breakdown is as follows:

2020-21: $1,805,556
2021-22: $2,305,556
2022-23: $2,305,556
2023-24: $1,055,556
2024-25: $1,055,556
2025-26: $1,055,556https://t.co/DNIv702F9S pic.twitter.com/LRwxGH5NiC— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) October 6, 2020

Abdelkader, 33, was drafted in the second round, 42nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2005 NHL entry draft. In 739 regular season games, he has 252 points (106 G, 146 A), 608 penalty minutes and is a -56. In 64 career playoff games, Abdelkader has put up 13 points (6 G, 7 A), 104 penalty minutes and is a -5.

Internationally, Abdelkader has represented the USA on a few occasions, most recently at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey where he had 1 goal, 2 penalty minutes, and was a -1 in 3 games.

Abdelkader could be an interesting acquisition for a team looking for size on their bottom-six forward group. There might not be a whole lot of teams in on Abdelkader on Friday once free agency opens at 12 pm ET, but there will certainly be a few teams looking to add a player with size, and leadership qualities. It wouldn't be surprising that once Pat Maroon signs, teams will circle back and take a look at Justin Abdelkader.

Source: TSN

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