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Wings looking to move Datsyuk’s $7.5 million cap hit

Toronto Maple Leafs v Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 13: Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Joe Louis Arena on March 13, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

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The Detroit Red Wings will be looking to upgrade their roster (like every other team) this summer, but they’ll have a hard time doing that with Pavel Dasyuk’s $7.5 million cap on hit on the books.

Although he hasn’t confirmed anything yet, Datsyuk will likely make a move to the KHL starting next season. Unfortunately for the Red Wings, Datsyuk’s contract falls in the “35-plus” category, which means that his money will count against the cap even though they won’t actually be paying him.

But Red Wings GM Ken Holland is actively looking to move Datsyuk’s cap hit, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

“The Detroit Red Wings are most definitely looking at Steven Stamkos as an unrestricted free agent option. For the Red Wings to get into that game, they’re gonna have to move out the money of Pavel Datsyuk,” said Dreger on TSN’s Insider Trading segment.

“Maybe there’s a team out there that needs that $7.5 million to get to the (cap) floor, but the Red Wings know that in order to move it, they’re going to have to sweeten (the deal). Jurco, Pulkkinen or names like that may be attached as well. So, Holland is hard at it.”

General Fanager explains the “35-plus” rule:

If a player signs a multi-year contract and is age 35 or older (as of June 30 prior to the year of the effective contract), the players individual cap hit counts against the teams cap hit regardless of whether, or where, the player is active.

Datsyuk’s agent has made it clear that his client doesn’t want to put the Red Wings in a tough spot. But if they can’t move his contract, would he be willing to stay for one more year? That’s the $7.5 million question.

Related:

--Datsyuk’s agent acknowledges KHL offer from SKA, but no deal yet

--Datsyuk “wants to make sure the Wings have options,” says agent