By Jordan Long
Forward Pavel Datsyuk is playing in the Kontinentoal Hockey League (KHL) for Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is in 2nd place in the Western Conference with 83 points, 3 points behind Moscow. Datsyuk has 9 goals and 25 assists for a total of 34 points. Those are decent numbers which have helped Saint Petersburg in the standings. Datsyuk might consider a return to North America to play in the NHL. His contract with Saint Petersburg runs out in June.
Datsyuk hasn’t played in the NHL since 2016 when he decided to walk away from the NHL. He played 14 seasons, all with the Red Wings. If he decides to come back to the NHL, he would be a free agent and any team could decide to offer him a contract.
According to Yahoosports.com, Pavel Datsyuk’s agent Dan Milstein said, “I can tell you Pavel is not ready to quit hockey in next few years. So again, it’s up to him, going to America or playing in the KHL.”
Datsyuk’s skill on the ice is still there. His vision on the ice to set up teammates to allow them to score. He uses his speed to skate around defenseman for scoring chances and goals. Any team could use him on the 2nd or 3rd line. Datsyuk can also play the power play to screen the goaltender for goals.
The difficulty with Datsyuk is age. He will turn 41 in July. There are not many 41 year old’s playing hockey at a high level. Teams may shy away from him because they want a younger skater who can use his legs more. Datsyuk can’t compare.
Datsyuk is still productive and has shown it in the KHL. Datsyuk will have options to play next season. He could stay in the KHL. If he decides to make an NHL comeback, it might be risky because teams may not be interested. It all depends on what Datsyuk wants to do since he still has the desire to play hockey. st T
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