Truth & Rumors > NHL

Datsyuk already paving road back to KHL

Views
10411
Comments
77

08:37 AM ET 01.16 | Back in Detroit after delaying his return to play in the KHL All-Star Game, how much longer will Pavel Datsyuk remain in Motown? "When we come first day as NHL players, [Russian fans] cheer, support us, love us," Datsyuk said. ... "Positive to play home, always. You never know next time you play front of your friends, Russian friends." That's what has to worry the Wings just a bit: Datsyuk, 34, is signed through 2013-14, but there's a very good chance he'll give a long, hard thought to returning home after that. His daughter, born the summer of 2002, the same year Datsyuk won the Stanley Cup as a rookie, lives in Russia. He sounded like the idea is already in his head. "It's my kind of dream to come back to enjoy with Russian fans."

Detroit Free Press

Pavel Datsyuk, Getty Images Pavel Datsyuk, Getty Images
January 16, 2013  08:50 AM ET

and that's fine. There's nothing wrong with a guy wanting to play at home. And he's talking when his contract runs out, not leaving now

January 16, 2013  09:00 AM ET

smells like cap room in 2015

January 16, 2013  09:08 AM ET

Smells like the Return of the Dead Wings might be on the horizon.

January 16, 2013  09:12 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Smells like the Return of the Dead Wings might be on the horizon.

seriously doubt that but they do have some pieces needed to be at the top of the food chain that's for sure

January 16, 2013  09:15 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

and that's fine. There's nothing wrong with a guy wanting to play at home. And he's talking when his contract runs out, not leaving now

Agreed, at 35 and with a cup under his belt, it's certainly understandable he'd want to play back home to finish his career. He'd also probably get alot more money.

January 16, 2013  09:15 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

and that's fine. There's nothing wrong with a guy wanting to play at home. And he's talking when his contract runs out, not leaving now

He's not getting any younger either.

January 16, 2013  09:30 AM ET

Class act. Wish him the best no matter what he chooses to do with his future.

January 16, 2013  09:37 AM ET

Best player in the game, offense and defense combined.

January 16, 2013  09:38 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

seriously doubt that but they do have some pieces needed to be at the top of the food chain that's for sure

We have to hope guys like Gustav Nyquist and Brendan Smith are future All-Stars, because there is not an abundance of young talent on the roster to take over the top two lines when Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Bertuzzi, Samuelsson, Cleary and Kronwall (all ages 32-37) start hanging up the skates soon.

January 16, 2013  09:43 AM ET
QUOTE(#8):

Best player in the game, offense and defense combined.

More importantly always gives his team his best effort.

January 16, 2013  09:44 AM ET

so....go now....rip up the contract and go....no one is stopping you...don't let the door hit you on the way out.......oh that's right I forgot....the Russian Ruble is basically worthless.......

January 16, 2013  09:45 AM ET

The money would really have to be incredible, I don't see this guy still being at the top of his game and playing in a second tier league just because it's 'home'.

January 16, 2013  09:56 AM ET

Dats da way it goes.

January 16, 2013  09:59 AM ET
QUOTE(#12):

The money would really have to be incredible, I don't see this guy still being at the top of his game and playing in a second tier league just because it's 'home'.

I also don't see Datsyuk as a guy who thinks money is the ultimate factor when making decisions. He's a selfless Ice Jedi.

January 16, 2013  10:04 AM ET
QUOTE(#14):

I also don't see Datsyuk as a guy who thinks money is the ultimate factor when making decisions. He's a selfless Ice Jedi.

I agree. if that were the case, he could have gone before....

January 16, 2013  10:19 AM ET

Home is home. Sounds like it's important to him at least. If he fulfills his contract what's the beef? He's a great player and I wish he'd stay but it's really up to him isn't it?

January 16, 2013  10:25 AM ET
QUOTE(#16):

Home is home. Sounds like it's important to him at least. If he fulfills his contract what's the beef? He's a great player and I wish he'd stay but it's really up to him isn't it?

exactly right

January 16, 2013  10:28 AM ET

Another player that cant wait to get outta there..sheesh..whats happening in Detroit ??

January 16, 2013  10:28 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

smells like cap room in 2015

Smells like no-play-offs for Detroit either.

 
January 16, 2013  10:30 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

seriously doubt that but they do have some pieces needed to be at the top of the food chain that's for sure

Detroits no longer the favorites...they are for sure on the back 9...Hollands genius will be up for debate now...he's on the clock to do something.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Stunned Cavs open to dealing top pick
    Views
    8306
    Comments
    1484
  2. 2
    Mavs shopping pick, eyeing Howard (and CP3)
    Views
    7707
    Comments
    814
  3. 3
    Donnie Baseball trying to get himself fired
    Views
    9914
    Comments
    606
  4. 4
    Duquette's luck running out
    Views
    3341
    Comments
    515
  5. 5
    Namath: Jets wasted Smith pick
    Views
    31330
    Comments
    96

SI.com

Swimsuit

SI Photos