Pavel Datsyuk makes his final decision on his NHL career.

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HockeyFeed
Published 7 years ago
Pavel Datsyuk makes his final decision on his NHL career.
Images Courtesy of Keystone Press

The era of the "Magic Man" in The Motor City has officially come to an end.

Detroit Red Wings' veteran forward Pavel Datsyuk  announced Saturday that he will forgo the final year of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings to play in Russia,

"My family and I have decided that it's time to return home," Datsyuk told reporters.

The 37-year-old confirmed he'll play in the KHL starting next season, according to NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika. His agent, Dan Milstein, said Datsyuk is expected to evaluate offers from his native teams starting Tuesday night.

The legendary centerman chose to remain ambiguous as to which Russian squad he will join.

"All of Russia is beautiful," he told Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press when asked if he's headed to SKA St. Petersburg.

Datsyuk said he struggled with the decision for some time, and ultimately it was the best option for both Datsyuk and his family.

"It's difficult," he said. "I (fought) with my mind already (for) a few years. Finally (the) decision (came) during vacation with family."

Milstein said he expects the final year of Datsyuk's contract - which carries a cap hit of $7.5 million - to be traded as soon as the team can find a taker.

Datsyuk met with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland on Friday evening and made the announcement Saturday afternoon at his hockey camp in suburban Detroit.

He had insisted he wouldn't make a decision until discussing his future with the Red Wings, with whom he played all 14 of his NHL seasons.

Known as much for his offensive wizardry as he was for his defensive prowess, Datsyuk had one of the most decorated NHL careers by a Russian-born skater.

He was a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a four-time All-Star, a four-time Lady Byng Trophy winner, a three-time Selke Trophy recipient, and was nominated for the Hart Trophy in 2009.

Datsyuk represented Russia on four occasions in the Olympic Games, serving as team captain in 2014, and winning gold at the 2012 World Championship.

He amassed 918 points in 953 career NHL regular-season games and added another 113 points in 157 playoff contests.

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