The Detroit Red Wings locked up one of their best forwards Thursday, inking Justin Abdelkader to a seven-year contract extension worth $29.75 million.
“To hopefully end my career here in Detroit is a dream come true for me,” Abdelkader told the club’s website.
“When you come into the league you never know how long you’ll be on a team. But it’s been very special for me and I’m very thankful, obviously, to the Ilitch family, Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch, Ken Holland, the management team, my teammates throughout my years here.”
Abdelkader’s new deal carries a $4.25-million annual salary cap hit. The first four years of his extension include a full no-trade clause, and the final three years include a limited no-trade clause, according to multiple reports.
The 28-year-old Muskegon, Mich., native is in the final season of a four-year contract that carries a $1.8-million cap hit and was on target to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NHL career.
Abdelkader has spent his entire pro career with the Red Wings since being drafted by the club in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He got off to a fast start this season, notching seven points and potting two game-winners through 15 games in 2015-16.
In 413 NHL games since 2007-08, he has recorded 139 points and 309 penalty minutes.
Abdelkader enjoyed a breakout season in 2014-15, setting career highs in goals (23), assists (21) and points (44), more than doubling his previous career-high goal total of 10.
More on Abdelkader: closest recent comparable (considering age, position and pending UFA status) may be Brandon Sutter: 5 years @ $4.375M.
— General Fanager (@generalfanager) November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
Detroit Red Wings
