Pavel Datsyuk to Leave Red Wings, Return to Russia: Latest Comments, Reaction

Pavel Datsyuk has finally ended the suspense about his future, announcing that he will return to Russia instead of playing out the final year of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings. 

Datsyuk made the news official at a press conference Saturday, per Nick Cotsonika of NHL.com.  

Per Cotsonika, Datsyuk said his original intention was to play with the Red Wings for three years when he signed his extension in 2013. Datsyuk's agent, Dan Milstein, told reporters the expectation is his client's contract will be traded by the Red Wings, per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

Datsyuk summed up his decision in one sentence, per the Red Wings official Twitter account:

"

"My family and I have decided that it's time to return home" - @Datsyuk13

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 18, 2016"

Per Cotsonika, Datsyuk also said that he would be playing next season in the Kontinental Hockey League but he does not have a deal with any team yet. 

This decision has long been coming. Datsyuk told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press in April "I think I am done playing in NHL" once the Stanley Cup playoffs ended and said he wanted to be around his daughter more. 

The Red Wings now have to focus on trying to replace one of the best players in franchise history. The 37-year-old Datsyuk has spent his entire 14-year NHL career in Detroit, recording a total of 918 points and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy in three consecutive seasons from 2007-10.

It's impossible to fault Datsyuk, who was nearing the end of his NHL career anyway, for wanting to be closer to his family.

The Red Wings are in a difficult spot without Datsyuk, but general manager Ken Holland will have an entire offseason to explore free agency and get a player who will ensure the team remains one of the best in the Eastern Conference.