So Abdelkader's contract is up and all I see is my fellow fans asking and debating how much money we will resign him for. Well my question is this, why should we resign Justin Abdelkader?

First let me say this, Abby was one of my favorite players when he made the jump from GR. I absolutely love and root for all my Michigan born players, and I had very high hopes for Abby. He started his red wing career as one of my favorites, But over the last 3 years he has become the player i would like to see walk the most.

Why should we resign a player like Abby whom is expected to be one of our tough grinders, when he is not that effective at it? Yea he hits, but there are plenty of players who can fill the role and do it even better. Why re-sign him while far more effective players like NYR Brandon Prust will most likely be available? Am I the only one that dosn't see much potential in Abby? or who thinks we could get a more effective player for the same price range? I don't think any tough guy on any opposing team is worried about answering to Abdelkader, He's not necessarily protecting our players.

I know that Abby does his job and what is asked of him (maybe a little more than he's asked, particularly fighting, which is just embarrassing) and I respect that. But think about whats best for the team. I feel his "hometown" status might be playing to much a role in keeping him in Detroit, and the fact he is a center. Everyone seems to disagree with me, I just don't see why. With guys like nyquist and Tatar set to be moving up to the bug club, Do we really have room to keep Abby over players like them and Eaves, Helm and Miller? We all know that Miller-Helm-Eaves work great together. (only players Id keep Abby over is Emmerton and Mursak, but both of them wont require as big of a salary and dont have a as big of a role)

I know Abby is a fan favorite to many of you, and I don't mean to offend or bash a wing, I just want to know if I am the only one?