With uncertainty swirling around the start of the NHL season and in what capacity, if any, the AHL can function in 2020-21, cutting Justin Abdelkader makes sense.
Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman placed Abdelkader on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout Tuesday, a decision that will cost the Wings salary cap room for six years, but will open a roster spot.
Abdelkader’s play had been in decline since his former center, Pavel Datsyuk, left in 2016, and triggering a buyout was really the only option because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.