The Detroit Red Wings are in a dogfight to try to keep their epic playoff streak going. If that isn’t enough to agitate Red Wings fans, well ...
... *lets out a deep breath*
How do we say this?
During the latest edition of Saturday Headlines, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Pavel Datsyuk may very well leave the Red Wings for Russia. And that might happen as soon as things wrap up for the Red Wings this season.
@FriedgeHNIC reports Pavel Datsyuk may decide to leave the NHL and return to Russia after this season.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) April 3, 2016
Ouch.
If that doesn’t hurt enough, Friedman points out a fact that adds insult to injury: if this happens, the makeup of the latest CBA means the Red Wings would be stuck with his $7.5 million cap hit for 2016-17.
Before Red Wings fans say anything harsh about magical #13, consider this: Friedman reports that it may make such a move because of family reasons.
It’s important to remember that this hasn’t been confirmed by the Red Wings or Datsyuk. It’s also obvious that things can change, whether that means Datsyuk playing out his contract (which expires after 2016-17) or extending his career with Detroit even beyond that.
Still believe he'll play out next season, then go back home... https://t.co/Emhe9UKIA3
— Ted Kulfan (@tkulfan) April 3, 2016
Still, it’s a scary possibility coming from one of the most respected reporters in the business, so don’t blame Red Wings fans for getting nervous.
Ultimately, they should do what’s reasonable enough with Datsyuk, anyway: savor these moments.
Update: A few bits from GM Ken Holland.
Ken Holland: “I haven’t talked to Pavel. He has a year to go (on his contract). Are the rumors news to me? I hear a lot of rumors."
— Ted Kulfan (@tkulfan) April 3, 2016
“He has a year to go on his contract. I’ll sit down with all of our players at the end of the year, one by one, and talk to them all."
— Ted Kulfan (@tkulfan) April 3, 2016