It’s not surprising news, but for fans of the magical forward, it’s a sobering reality: Pavel Datsyuk really is gone from the NHL.
Friday presented the latest round of closure, as Datsyuk officially signed a two-year deal with KHL team SKA, according to reporters including the Detroit Free-Press’ Helene St. James.
Aaron Ward reports that the deal is worth the equivalent to $7.6 million overall.
Transfer card from Arizona Coyotes received and Datsyuk has signed SKA St Petersburg contract pic.twitter.com/6msiIbsjyX
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) July 8, 2016
While Datsyuk carries a $7.5 million cap hit that is currently being absorbed by the Arizona Coyotes, he was slated to receive $5.5 million in salary next season. This move obviously isn’t motivated by money, as Datsyuk decided to return home to Russia after years of contemplation.
It was a great run, but days like these really clarify the sad reality that Datsyuk’s NHL days appear to be over.