With Pavel Datsyuk leaving for the KHL, one of the alternate captain “A” patches opened up for this year’s Detroit Red Wings. Naturally, Detroit went with one of the four players (Jonathan Ericsson, Darren Helm, Drew Miller) remaining on the roster from the 2009-10 season, Justin Abdelkader. He joins Niklas Kronwall as an alternate, and Henrik Zetterberg continues as captain.
Abdelkader named assistant captain for #RedWings, Blashill announces.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 4, 2016
Red Wings Justin Abdelkader Named Alternate Captain
Known as a homegrown talent from Muskegon, the 29-year old winger is also coming off signing an seven-year, $30 million contract. It is clear that general manager Ken Holland wants him around as a model of how to pass along the “Red Wing way.” He has been taught from a group that is slowly eroding with Zetterberg and Kronwall possibly the next two to go in the coming years. As one of the only physical presences on the team, Holland believes he brings all the intangibles of a leader. Abdelkader often shows the ability to throw the body and agitate. Head coach Jeff Blashill also had high praise for him.
“It was a natural choice for me, it was a natural choice for Ken Holland. From the coaching staff’s perspective, from the management perspective, from the organization’s perspective, it was an easy choice.”
-Jeff Blashill
A Grinding Style of Game
Personally, though there is disagreement with the contract that was given to him and other bottom six forwards this off-season, this choice was expected. Holland has long valued veterans and players who have carried term with the team as seen with the amount of time Dan Cleary has spent in the organization. He is still spending with the franchise in the AHL mentoring the likes of Tyler Bertuzzi. Going down the list of past acquisitions, one will find Daniel Alfredsson, Todd Bertuzzi, Mike Modano, Marek Zidlicky, Erik Cole, and many more who came during the twilight of their careers. A younger leadership group in the bottom six seems to be building, alongside a younger core. Forwards Luke Glendening and Helm also received four and five-year deals respectively, in addition to Abdelkader.
Abdelkader is excited for the opportunity, as well as the recognition a letter brings.
“It’s a huge honor. It’s crazy, kind of, thinking back, talking with Blash this morning; my first few days here in Detroit, and now being here eight years with the organization, getting this honor. It’s a huge honor. I’m really thrilled and excited.”
-Justin Abdelkader
He is entering his eighth full season with Detroit. Abdelkader originally made a splash with two goals in the 2009 Stanley Cup Final. Abdelkader has grown with the franchise. He’s grown from bottom six grinder into a power forward who is also able to put up offensive numbers. He scored 23 goals in 2014-15 and 40 points in each of the last two seasons. Abdelkader averaged 22 points from ’09-14, not including the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign.
Quotes courtesy of Detroit Free Press
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