On Monday, Sportsnet’s Luke Fox suggested that the Red Wings should bite the bullet and buy out Justin Abdelkader, even though his buyout would stay on the Wings’ contractual books for six long years, and today, The Athletic’s James Mirtle also suggests that the Wings buy Abdelkader out:
10. Justin Abdelkader, Detroit
Abdelkader had no goals and three points in 49 games last season while getting decent depth minutes. The Red Wings may be rebuilding and, as such, may not put a premium on having extra cap space right away, but surely there has to be a better use for these extra dollars they could free up than having him on the ice. Maybe they can take on some other bad contracts in exchange for getting assets? That would make sense. Unlikely this deal.
Existing cap hit: $4.25 million for the next three years
Buyout cap hit: $1.81 million next season, $2.31 million the following two years and $1.06 million the subsequent three years
Continued (paywall); I understand the concept of buying out Abdelkader for the sake of giving younger players ice time, but the Wings don’t actually save a lot of money by buying him out, and they could very well send him to Grand Rapids to play with the next generation of Red Wings.
In other words, I’m iffy on buying him out.
I didn’t realize his contract had 3 years remaining. With 3 points he should be embarrassed to even cash his cheque.
I will change my opinion on what I would do (legally, LOL). Keep him and sit him as the extra forward. He may get injured in practise. Obviously he has no pride to go with no hockey abilities. I doubt StevieY would keep a prospect as an extra forward. Maybe Aby can be a stay at home Daddy and his wife can take his spot with the Wings. I would bet she can get more than 3 points and not lose more fights than Aby has.
Tough situation for the Wings. How did Aby avoid getting more points, amazing.
I hated the Abdelkader contract the day it was signed.
But a buyout is not smart.
I don’t think there is a huge benefit to the buy out, its not really hurting us salary wise.. If its that big of an issue sit him down or send him down.