from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, here’s a look at who’ll be back next season and who’ll be gone from the roster as it stood March 12, when the league put the season hold.
F Justin Abdelkader
The evidence: He’s signed at a $4.25 million cap hit through 2022-23, making a buyout prohibitive (six years at annual cap hits ranging from $1.55 million to $2.35 million). Given his decline (22 points in 122 games the past two seasons, no points since Oct. 23), the most likely scenario is Abdelkader is waived and demoted.The 33-year-old would still draw his NHL salary, but the Wings would gain a little north of $1 million in cap relief — plus a roster spot, maybe one Evgeny Svechnikov could claim.
The verdict: Gone (from the roster, not the payroll).
F Robby Fabbri
The evidence: Yzerman’s best trade joined the team in early November and scored two goals in his debut; ranks fourth on the team with 31 points in 52 games. Earned a spot in the top six and power-play time.The verdict: Will be back with a mid- to long-term extension.
more names...
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