The Detroit Red Wings aren’t shy about locking players up to long-term deals, especially if the cap hit seems manageable.
Justin Abdelkader might be the next guy to become a true core player, as he’s closing in on a seven-year extension that may carry at least a $4 million cap hit, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
To save you some math, that means he’d get a minimum of $28 million, probably more.
On one hand, that could turn out to be a steal for a guy who’s become something of a Robin to Henrik Zetterberg’s Batman. That’s not a bad rate for a guy who’s easily serving as a top-six forward.
On the other side, Abelkader’s physical style could really start to take its toll, so a lengthy extension would carry arguably even more risks than usual.
The Red Wings have seen lengthy deals work out well, yet they also likely rue Johan Franzen’s monster deal and maybe regret Jimmy Howard’s contract, too.
As always, this report doesn’t say a deal is done. Should Red Wings fans be happy if it happens?