It’s been widely speculated since the Red Wings finished their playoff run in April and today it officially came from the horses mouth that Pavel Datsyuk will depart from the NHL and return to Russia this summer, one year before his current contract expires.
The announcement came during a break during his hockey camp, where he said now is the right time to return home. “My family and I are grateful for our time here in Detroit. This was not an easy decision, but it is time for us to return home.”
Heading into next season without arguably their most valuable player, the Red Wings will be without their best puck possession player and a shutdown defensive forward. Known for his ability to score from just about everywhere on the ice, Datsyuk finishes his 953-game NHL career with 314 goals and 604 assists for 918 points. Earlier this season, he became the became the fourth Red Wings player to reach 300 goals and 600 assists to join Hall of Famers Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman and Alex Delvecchio. The two-time Stanley Cup champion (2002, 2008) also won three Selke trophies (as the league’s best defensive forward) and four Lady Byng trophies (sportsmanlike conduct). He was named to the NHL All-Star Game four times.
My family and I are grateful for our time here in Detroit. This was not an easy decision, but it is time for us to return home.- Pavel Datsyuk
Detroit’s front office hoped the 37-year-old would play next season because they are stuck with his contract regardless. Under the CBA, contracts signed after a player turns 35 cannot be scrapped – so the $7.5 million cap hit remains, though no team will have to pay the actual $5 million salary.
What options will Detroit have now? After they trade away Datsyuk’s contract to a team near the cap floor such as Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, or New Jersey, they could go after Steven Stamkos or Alexander Radulov. They might need to package one of their prospects to Grand Rapids to make it happen.
Datsyuk played in 66 games last season, scoring 49 points via 16 goals and 33 assists.
