Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk eyeing NHL return
By Tyler Samson
After announcing his plans not to return to his KHL team next season on Instagram, it looks like Pavel Datsyuk is eyeing a return to the Detroit Red Wings.
On April 30th, Pavel Datsyuk posted a long message on Instagram saying that he will not be returning to SKA St. Petersburg next season. The former Detroit Red Wings forward will likely test the free agency market in the NHL to see what offers he gets and if they are worth him playing in North America again.
With the rumor spreading that Datsyuk wants to make a comeback in the NHL, the Red Wings seem to be the frontrunner team to land him. After playing his whole NHL career in Detroit (953 games with 918 points), it would only be fitting if he returned to Detroit and finish his career where it started.
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However, the Red Wings should not pursue Datsyuk for a variety of reasons. First off, he is 40 years old and has not played in the NHL since the 2015-16 season. There is no doubt that the KHL is a competitive and talented league, but the pace of play and playing style compared to the NHL is very different.
While a player with Datsyuk’s skill set would likely be able to transition successfully to the NHL, there is still the chance he is not able to fully adjust.
Secondly, if he returns to the NHL, he will likely be asking for a big price tag. With the Red Wings battling the salary cap as it is, there is no reason to intensify things by taking a gamble with Datsyuk.
After seeing how Ilya Kovalchuk struggled with the Kings after signing a big contract to bring him over from the KHL, the Wings must be cautious.
Overall, the Red Wings need to look forward with their youth and not look back. There is a good, young core nucleus in Detroit that has the potential to do great things and they must utilize these young players rather than clog a roster spot with a veteran.
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Without question, Datsyuk was a great player with the Red Wings in his time in Detroit, but now it is time to turn the page and look towards the future. While he would certainly help sell tickets, it makes sense for both sides to move on. Don’t expect new general manager Steve Yzerman to add Datsyuk to his roster unless the price is right.