Red Wings' Abdelkader looking to build on career year as free agency looms

Justin Abdelkader picked a good time to hit his stride.

The 28-year-old is coming off his most productive season with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 23 goals (including eight on power play and five game-winners), 21 assists, and 154 shots on net.

Set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2015-16, Abdelkader is keenly aware that a repeat - or better yet, improved - performance would result in a nice pay day next summer.

"You try to not to think about it too much because then it starts affecting your game," Abdelkader said, according to Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News. "You just go out and do your best to make a case for yourself. All you can do is take care of yourself and let the business side take care of itself.

"You want to build off (success) and carry it over," he added. "Year to year there are no guarantees. But a good summer training, working hard, and preparing myself for the season, we'll see what happens."

While his preference appears to be a contract extension with the Red Wings, he's also cognizant of the numbers game involved in today's salary cap era.

"Obviously you want to stay but you also know it's a business," Abdelkader said. "You just don't know (what'll happen). I'm just going to focus on having another good year and we'll see what happens."

A second-round pick of the Wings back in 2005, Abdelkader increased his previous career high in goals by 13 this past season, albeit on an inflated shooting percentage of 14.9. Still, should he top 20 once again, there likely won't be a shortage of suitors on July 1, 2015 should Detroit decide not to retain his services.