Justin Abdelkader, Red Wings Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

The Detroit Red Wings locked up one of their top forwards Thursday, as they signed 28-year-old winger Justin Abdelkader to a seven-year contract extension.

The team announced the new deal on its official Twitter account, and although the Red Wings haven't yet released financial terms, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported the contract is worth $4.25 million per season.

The American-born veteran enjoyed a breakout offensive campaign in 2014-15, setting career bests with 23 goals and 21 assists for 43 points. Prior to last season, however, Abdelkader had never topped 10 goals or 28 points in a single season.

Abdelkader is a physically imposing force at 6'2", 218 pounds who isn't afraid to dish out punishing hits or take a beating in front of the opposition's net.

He is undoubtedly a key player for Detroit due to his versatility and ability to play in all situations on any line, but it is fair to question the hefty investment.

The extension will keep him locked in through the 2022-23 season, at which point the former second-round draft pick will be 35 years of age.

Because of that, TSN's Travis Yost believes the contract could come back to haunt the Red Wings at some point:

Abdelkader is off to a solid start this season, with four goals and seven points through 15 games, and while $4.25 million per season isn't exorbitant for a player of his ilk, the length of the contract is the biggest concern.

Although Abdelkader brings a style of play that should be useful for years to come due to his physicality and leadership capabilities, the Red Wings are banking on one good offensive year and trusting that the production will continue into his mid-30s.

Making a mistake on a long-term contract in the salary-cap era can be crippling, and it seems likely that general manager Ken Holland and the Red Wings organization will regret this move at some point down the line.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.