Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk officially signs contract with Red Wings
The Magic Man returns! Hall of Fame forward Pavel Datsyuk has officially returned to the Detroit Red Wings.
Not many would have predicted that a young Russian forward who barely spoke English would have such an impact on the Detroit Red Wings when he arrived in 2001 to a team filled with Hall of Famers.
But immediately from the get-go, his talent and on-ice vision were apparent. He continuously marveled not only Red Wings fans but hockey fans worldwide with his dazzling stickhandling and unbelievable skill.
Datsyuk spent 14 seasons with the Red Wings, and while he departed in 2016 to continue his playing career in his native Russia, he's officially back in the fold.
On the night that the Red Wings honored him for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Datsyuk signed a one-day contract so that he could officially retire as a member of the team.
Easily one of the most creative players to ever lace up the skates, Datsyuk not only helped the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup in his rookie season, but also again in 2008.
Fans will remember the famous "Two Kids and a Goat" line from the 2001-02 season in which Datsyuk and fellow young forward Boyd Devereaux were paired on a line with legendary goal scorer Brett Hull.
Not only was Datsyuk's career marked by his incredible offensive talent, but he also quickly developed a reputation for being one of the game's great two-way players.
Thanks to his stingy defensive play, he was awarded the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward three times (2008, 2009, 2010).
Datsyuk also won the Lady Byng Trophy four times, given annually to the player known for gentlemanly play on the ice.
He finished his NHL career with a total of 918 points (314 goals, 604 assists), and was recognized as one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in 2017.
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