The Detroit Red Wings have Pavel Datsyuk locked up through the 2016-17 season, but that hasn’t prevented rumors from circulating about his future in the NHL and the possibility of him taking his talents to the KHL. Though the more far-fetched rumors suggest Datsyuk could be on his way out sooner than later, the more realistic scenario links him with the KHL after his NHL playing days are over.
Here’s what Datsyuk had to say on the matter, as seen in the Detroit Free Press:
“It is hard to talk about it now. My dream is to play for the (KHL team) remains, but (I have to) look at how the rest of my hockey career (goes).”
The dream team Datsyuk is referring to is likely Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, but it’s worth noting he skated with CSKA Moscow during the most recent NHL lockout.
Datsyuk in the KHL is a very real possibility, but it won’t be until his current contract expires. He’ll be 38 once his deal with the Red Wings is up, which should still give him a year or two to close out his career in any manner he chooses. Long story short, Red Wings fans have nothing to worry about, but they should be aware that Datsyuk’s final act in professional hockey will likely come with a Russian squad.
