Pavel Datsyuk will leave NHL after Stanley Cup playoffs

Pavel Datsyuk confirms that he will leave the NHL after the Stanley Cup playoffs. 

Recently, reports have been swirling around about Pavel Datsyuk and his future in the NHL. Datsyuk has decided to come out and clear up any confusion by confirming that he will be leaving the NHL and returning to Russia after the Red Wings are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

“I may not be done with hockey,” Datsyuk said, via Detroit Free Press, “but — it is hard to say — I think I am done playing in NHL.”

Datsyuk will be leaving the Red Wings despite having one year and $7.5 million left on his contract that he signed two years ago. Because Datsyuk was over 35 years old when he signed the contract, they will be responsible for carrying his cap hit. That is something that Datsyuk feels awful about.

“Looking back, I wish I had done a year-by-year contract, not a three-year contract. I stayed (last year) in respect for Ilitch family. I don’t want to leave team in disaster. But if I have to do over again, I would sign a different deal. I didn’t realize it at the time.”

While Datsyuk wouldn’t confirm the reasons for wanting to return to Russia, it is most likely so he can be with his daughter from his first wife. Datsyuk has stated that he wants to be there for her as she turns 13.

Datsyuk has had a magical career that will most likely see him enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 953 regular season games, Datsyuk has 314 goals and 604 assists for 920 points. He has won the Selke Trophy three times and the Lady Byng Trophy four times.

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