Who Is Justin Abdelkader? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on February 25, 1987, Justin Abdelkader is an American ice hockey player who achieved fame in the National Hockey League (NHL). As of 2025, he is 38 years old. Abdelkader began his professional career with the Detroit Red Wings, where he played a vital role in the team's success during his tenure. His journey in ice hockey is not just marked by his skills on the rink but also by his leadership qualities and resilience.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1987 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Muskegon, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Justin Abdelkader's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Justin Abdelkader stands tall at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs approximately 215 pounds (98 kg). His robust physique and athletic build contribute significantly to his performance on the ice, allowing him to engage in physical play and excel in various positions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Justin Abdelkader is in a committed relationship with his girlfriend, whose identity has remained relatively private. The couple enjoys a low-key lifestyle, often sharing moments from their life together on social media, although they prefer not to reveal too much about their private life. Family remains important to Abdelkader, who often highlights the support he receives from his parents and siblings in his professional pursuits.
Abdelkader proposed to his longtime girlfriend Julie Leshkevich in November 2016 at the Joe Louis Arena. The couple married on July 21, 2017, and gave birth to their first child in September 2018.
Net Worth and Salary
Justin Abdelkader's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million in 2025. Throughout his career, he has earned a significant salary through his contracts in the NHL, endorsements, and other ventures. During his peak years, his annual salary was reported to be in the range of $4 million, showcasing his success as a professional athlete.
Career, Business and Investments
In his NHL career, Abdelkader has made notable contributions to the teams he has played for, particularly the Detroit Red Wings. After retiring from professional hockey, he has explored various business opportunities, including investment in sports-related companies and philanthropy focused on youth sports development. His experience in the NHL has also led him to pursue roles as a coach and mentor in local leagues, aiming to inspire the next generation of hockey players.
Abdelkader scored his first career NHL goal on May 30, 2009, in Game 1 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. After shooting the puck, he grabbed the rebound out of the air with his glove, dropped the puck, and beat Marc-André Fleury high stick side.
His second goal came nearly 24 hours later in the second game of the series, off of what commentators described as a "knuckle puck." He carried the puck into the forward zone alone against three Penguins defenders and fired a slapshot past Fleury.
He became the first rookie to score a goal in consecutive finals games since Minnesota's Dino Ciccarelli did it in 1981.
Social Network
Justin Abdelkader is active on various social networking platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his life, charitable initiatives, and insights on hockey. His engaging personality and commitment to community service have garnered him a loyal following. Fans appreciate his candidness and the glimpses he provides into his life beyond hockey.
On May 8, 2009, Abdelkader was brought up to the Red Wings as the replacement for Tomáš Kopecký, who sat out Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals series against the Anaheim Ducks. Coach Mike Babcock sent Abdelkader to replace Kopecký "because he'll run over people. We expect him to play hard like Darren Helm.
He's on the forecheck, and he's a physical guy." During the game, Abdelkader scored his first career point on an assist to Johan Franzén.
Education
Before embarking on his professional hockey career, Justin Abdelkader attended Michigan State University, where he played college hockey for the Spartans. His time in college not only honed his skills on the ice but also provided him with a solid educational foundation. He completed his degree in communications, which has proven beneficial in handling media engagements throughout his career.
Abdelkader played for the junior ice hockey Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League during his senior year of high school, scoring 27 goals and 52 points and helping the team win the 2004–05 Clark Cup Championship.
He then began a three-year stint playing college ice hockey for the Michigan State Spartans men's ice hockey team of what was then the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
