Pavel Datsyuk may be entering the postseason for the final time as a Detroit Red Wing after the legendary Russian said he would be heading home after this season.
“I’m thinking I go home after this season,” the Red Wings center told the Free Press. “I may not be done with hockey, but – it is hard to say – I think I am done playing in the NHL.”
Datsyuk’s agent Dan Milstein confirmed that there are plans to talk with the Red Wings at the end of the season and said Datsyuk would probably be on his way – but wouldn’t completely rule out a change in heart.
“He’s going to have a meeting with [Red Wings GM Ken] Holland and [owners] Mr and Mrs Ilitch at the conclusion of the season. Certainly he has tremendous respect for the Ilitches and their organization,” Milstein said. “It’s not over until it’s over. This chapter is not closed right now.”
Milstein said Datsyuk was keen to return to Russia to be with his teenage daughter and hasn’t ruled out playing in the KHL next season.
“He feels he overstayed,” Milstein said. “He wants to unite his family. It’s very difficult for him over the years not to see his daughter often.”
Datsyuk has one year remaining on his contract that comes with a salary-cap charge of $7.5m. Because it was signed after he was 35, the Red Wings will be stuck with that cap hit next season if Datsyuk is in Russia.
“He feels extremely bad,” Milstein said about the possible cap charge. “He’s asked me to basically let the team know that he’s willing to do anything. This is extremely personal to him. He would do whatever is necessary to accommodate the Red Wings, to help in any way possible.”
Datsyuk, 37, has been in Detroit since the 2001-02 season, and has burnished his reputation as one of the league’s best players, racking up 918 points in 953 regular-season games. He also won Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in 2002 and 2008.
The Red Wings were beaten 3-2 by the Rangers on Saturday, but booked their place in the playoffs for a 25th consecutive season – the longest current playoff streak in the four major North American pro sports leagues.
Detroit clinched third place in the Atlantic Division and will play the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.
