Detroit – Justin Abdelkader accomplished his childhood dream, playing for the Detroit Red Wings.
Abdelkader wrote about his love for the Wings and his 13 years of playing for the franchise in a Players Tribune article.
Abdelkader, a Muskegon native who played at Michigan State, was drafted by the Wings in the second round in 2005.
But the dream ended for Abdelkader, 33, last month, when the Red Wings bought out the final three years of the seven-year, $29.75 million contract Abdelkader signed before the 2016-17 season.
Abdelkader played in 739 regular-season games in Detroit, with 252 points (106 goals).