The reportedly looming contract extension between the Detroit Red Wings and forward Justin Abdelkader is finally done. The team announced on Thursday that they'd signed the former second-round pick to a seven-year extension. The 28-year-old left winger will make more than $20 million in the first four years of the deal, per ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. It carries a full no-trade clause during those first four seasons and a partial one thereafter, according to LeBrun's ESPN colleague, Craig Custance.
According to Custance, Abdelkader's salary starts at $5 million and declines to $3 million. His AAV is $4.25 million.
Abdelkader has appeared in 413 NHL games since joining Detroit via the 2005 NHL Draft. As the team's release announcing the moves notes, Abdelkader enjoyed something of a breakout season in 2014-15, notching 23 goals and 21 assists, both career-highs. Those totals were good enough for fifth on the team in scoring, which is even more impressive consider the physical element that Abdelkader brings to Detroit's lineup.
The Michigan native was first on the Red Wings in hits last season with 153 and potted five game-winning goals.
Abdelkader has continued his impressive run last year thus far into the 2015-16 season. Through 15 games he has four goals and three assists playing alongside Henrik Zetterberg and Dylan Larkin on the team's top unit.
Abdelkader is currently in the final year of a four-year deal and making $2.25 million this season, counting $1.8 million against the cap.
