Red Wings’ Pavel Datsyuk unsure about future with team

Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk is unsure about his future with the team.

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Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk said he is unsure about his future with the team after Detroit’s loss to the Lightning on Thursday.

The loss eliminated the Red Wings from the playoffs. Datsyuk has one year left on his contract with Detroit, but has expressed interest in returning to Russia to be closer to his daughter.

“I'm not thinking about two days or how many days,” Datsyuk said about the timeline of his decision. “I need a little bit cool down and emotions go out and start thinking about it more.”

Datsyuk helped lead the Red Wings to two Stanley Cups—one as a rookie in 2002, and then again in 2008. He battled injuries for much of this season, missing more than a month due to off-season ankle surgeries. 

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If Datsyuk retires, his $7.5 million average annual salary will still count against the Red Wings‘ cap.

[USA Today]