The Detroit Red Wings are preparing to participate in the NHL Playoffs for a 25th consecutive season, but got some unfortunate news Sunday morning. Center Pavel Datsyuk is expected to retire at the end of the season to return to Russia. The 37-year-old initially revealed the news to the Detroit Free Press.
The world-class star stated "I'm thinking I go home after this season" in his announcement, but did hint at not being done with hockey. He did confirm that he is for sure done playing in the NHL.
Datsyuk has spent all 14 seasons in the NHL with the Red Wings. Sources are saying this is a move the team was anticipating, but they hope to convince their star to stay one more season. The two sides will talk at season's end, and nobody has officially ruled out a change of heart.
The veteran does have a teenage daughter in Russia, and will also consider playing in the KHL. He turns 38 in July, and has 16 goals and 33 assists in 66 games with the Red Wings this season.
Datsyuk does have one year remaining on his current deal with the Wings, which is worth $7.5 million. Since the deal was signed after the player was 35, Detroit will still be forced to pay that number if he leaves.
If this decision remains final, the Red Wings will not only be in trouble without one of their best players on the ice, but they will also have to deal with the financial problems this will cause.
The world-class star stated "I'm thinking I go home after this season" in his announcement, but did hint at not being done with hockey. He did confirm that he is for sure done playing in the NHL.
Datsyuk has spent all 14 seasons in the NHL with the Red Wings. Sources are saying this is a move the team was anticipating, but they hope to convince their star to stay one more season. The two sides will talk at season's end, and nobody has officially ruled out a change of heart.
The veteran does have a teenage daughter in Russia, and will also consider playing in the KHL. He turns 38 in July, and has 16 goals and 33 assists in 66 games with the Red Wings this season.
Datsyuk does have one year remaining on his current deal with the Wings, which is worth $7.5 million. Since the deal was signed after the player was 35, Detroit will still be forced to pay that number if he leaves.
If this decision remains final, the Red Wings will not only be in trouble without one of their best players on the ice, but they will also have to deal with the financial problems this will cause.
