Detroit – Justin Abdelkader has been named one of the Red Wings’ alternate captains, coach Jeff Blashill announced Tuesday.
Abdelkader, a Muskegon native who played at Michigan State, replaces Pavel Datsyuk, who left for his native Russia last summer.
Abdelkader, 29, was a 2005 second-round draft choice who has gradually ascended into his present leadership role.
“It was a natural choice for me, it was a natural choice for (general manager) Ken Holland, from a coaching staff perspective, from a management perspective and from organization perspective; it was an easy choice,” Blashill said. “Justin has those great leadership qualities to be a great captain.