Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader has not lived up to the hefty seven-year, $29.5 million contract he signed in 2015, and we haven’t been shy about saying it’s time to cut ties with the former Michigan State alum.
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He has four years remaining at a $4.25 million cap hit on his deal, so what exactly would it look like if GM Steve Yzerman were to buy out his contract if he continues to struggle?
It would cost a total of $6.3 million over six years ($1.8M, $2.3M, $2.3M, $1.05M, $1.05M and $1.05M against the cap annually through 2025-26).
Of course, another option would be to place him on waivers and then upon clearing, send him to the Grand Rapids Griffins; only $1.075 million of his salary would come off the cap.
Last season was the worst statistical year of his career with only six goals, 13 assists and a minus 13 plus/minus rating; he also went 40 straight games without scoring.
