The Pavel Datsyuk era with the Detroit Red Wings has come to an end.
Saturday afternoon the 37-year old Datsyuk informed the media he would play in the KHL next season leaving the Red Wings with a final year on his contract and a $7.5 million dollar cap hit for the 2016-17 campaign.
“My family and I have decided that it’s time to return home,” Datsyuk told reporters.
Today’s decision ends plenty of speculation surrounding one of the best defensive forwards in hockey whose skill with the puck earned him the nickname ‘The Magic Man‘.
As far as the Pavel Datsyuk contract goes his agent Dan Milstein believes the Red Wings will try to trade it receiving themselves of the dead money it carries. Milstein also mentioned that Datsyuk hasn’t committed to any team in the KHL and that he would go over all the offers on the table for his client this Tuesday. It’s believed however SKA St. Petersburg is prepared to offer Datsyuk a two-year contract.
Asked Pavel Datsyuk if he is going to play in beautiful city of St. Petersburg? "All of Russia is beautiful" was his answer.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 18, 2016
Datsyuk finishes up his NHL career a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, four-time All-Star, a four-time Lady Byng Trophy winner, a three-time Selke Trophy recipient, and nominated for the Hart Trophy as a finalist for the league’s MVP in 2009.
He also finishes with 918 points in 953 career NHL regular-season games while adding another 113 points in 157 playoff contests.
