Could waivers be an option for Justin Abdelkader? The issue here is Abdelkader is basically impossible to trade with his lucrative contract and a long-term deal. The Detroit Red Wings tried to play Abdelkader on the top line various times throughout the season as injuries occurred. He struggled to turn back the clock to his days playing alongside Pavel Datsyuk.
In fact, Abdelkader should be paying Pavel a royalty these days for assisting him in landing this massive contract. Justin has four years remaining on his seven-year 29.75 million dollar contract. The deal does have a Ken Holland special attached to it, a no-trade clause.