Datsyuk coming back to Detroit for important meeting after career ended with KHL team

There are a lot of important things to take on from Steve Yzerman’s to-do list however the new Detroit Red Wings general manager is getting ready to tackle one crucial one in the coming days. 

When Yzerman was named GM in Hockey Town, Elliotte Friedman revealed that Yzerman might start things off by trying to get legendary Wings player Pavel Datsyuk to return to Detroit. 

The rights of Datsyuk, who will turn 41 in July, are owed by the Arizona Coyotes until this summer. In July 2019, the veteran star player will be an unrestricted free agent and might be interested in giving the NHL another go. Of course, a deal with Detroit would be unbelievable.

On Tuesday, Friedman talked some more about this possibility in his latest 31 Thoughts on Sportsnet, revealing that Datsyuk was coming to Michigan in May and could be tempted to join the Wings again. 

“Prior to Steve Yzerman’s hiring in Detroit, Holland discussed a return for Pavel Datsyuk. Not sure if the odds would be very high, but Datsyuk was — at least — considering it. He is scheduled to return to Michigan in May, so we’ll see if this goes anywhere.”

Back in the summer of 2016, Datsyuk announced that he was leaving the Detroit Red Wings, with a year left on his contract, saying it was time to go back home and play in the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League. Since, he has been an important member of SKA St. Petersburg. 

Datsyuk had 49 points, ranking second on the Red Wings, in 66 games during his last regular season in the NHL.

Late on Tueaday night, Datsyuk himself took to social media to announce that his career has ended with the SKA St. Petersburg. His agent Dan Milstein also commented on his posts, telling fans to stay tuned for his client's next move. 

The Red Wings could certainly benefit from the addition of a veteran winner like Datsyuk - a fan favourite in Detroit!