Michigan Hockey’s Michael Caples spoke with Taro Hirose and Justin Abdelkader as they attended the MSU Pro Camp at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing today, and the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan was also at the rink to speak with Abdelkader regarding the challenges #8 faces in terms of regaining his form this year:
“I just have to be ready for whatever role I will be put in, and then making sure I can contribute that way,” Abdelkader said. “I’ve been fortunate in my career playing with some real good players, whether it’s been Pavel (Datsyuk) or Z (Henrik Zetterberg), and I’ve been on fourth lines a lot, especially at the start of my career.
“I’ve got to find ways to contribute. We have a lot of good, young players, and hey, I’m all about winning and team success and making sure the young players are staying on the right path and that’s part of my job, too — as I get older, to make sure I’m a guy these guys can count on to talk to and push them.
“The Red Wings have built a tradition here and how to work over the years since Steve’s first year here. It’s about keeping that culture around and making sure guys know that’s how we do it here.”
Continued, and regardless of what you think of Abdelkader the player, he’s certainly a well-spoken human being.
Update: Here’s WXYZ’s Brad Galli with a video report from Munn:
All the best this year, my heart roots for the guy.
My brain roots for a 4th line role so we can more readily trade his contract.
I hope he’s healthy and motivated and has a great year. Scoring 20+ isn’t happening but maybe 10-15 goals is possible. Think positive right. He’s a great leader. Why do you want to trade him so bad?
Sorry to have intruded on your space.
The blog is yours, sire.
What does Aby bring to the team?? When tries to hit a player he usually gets suspended, no room for him in the top 6/PP (where he got most of his points), pretend big bodie, another candidate for the 4th line (only 2 spots that might be open), can’t fight, OVER PAID and bad term on contract
Thats pretty negative. I’m more optimistic that Abby will have a better year than last. How ironic that I’m defending yet another player, when apparently I’m the negative one. Haha.