Will Pavel Datsyuk Retire?

Remember when Pavel Datsyuk left North America in the summer of 2016? He returned to Russia for his family and it would seem that he would play a few years in the KHL and then hang up his skates. He was leaving the NHL just before his 38th birthday and had just experienced his worst offensive season since he was a rookie. There were those obvious signs of him slowing down, but has found great success in Russia since leaving the Detroit Red Wings. That success may keep him going a while longer, at least according to his agent.

In a recent interview his Russia, his agent Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey made it clear that Datsyuk isn’t considering retirement just yet. In fact, Milstein left the door open on a potential return to the Red Wings, explaining that it would be the right spot to return to if his client decided to come back to the NHL to play a couple more seasons or so. Datsyuk is likely to continue playing hockey through his 41st birthday which comes in July. He has had great success with SKA St. Petersberg once again this season.

So what do I mean by he's having great success? Well, Datsyuk has recorded 103 points in 125 games for them, won a Gagarin Cup in 2017, and an Olympic gold last year as captain of the “Olympic Athletes from Russia” team (the team that was created when Russia was banned). His current deal with SKA expires in April, but it still seems unlikely that he would pursue a return to the NHL. Milstein explains that it's all up to Datsyuk to leave in the first place, and it would take the same sort of decision to return to the NHL. If anything, Datsyuk will continue playing in the KHL and add to his already incredible career on the ice.

This is his agent talking, so it doesn't mean he's either going to come or not come back to the NHL. Datsyuk can always surprise us like that. That's why he was so good for a while with the Red Wings, helping them win several Stanley Cups. This is ultimately his decision. I would love to see him back with the Red Wings, because they could use his help on the offensive end. On the other hand, I do understand the age portion of this. He's getting up there and just because you're good for one season doesn't mean it's going to translate to the next, unless you're Tom Brady.

I wish Datsyuk and if he wants to come back to the NHL, I would welcome him with open arms. If not, I wish him continued success in the KHL. He's certainly been an impact player for SKA since he's gotten there.