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Ken Holland isn’t ‘overly optimistic’ about his chances of trading Datsyuk’s contract

Colorado Avalanche v Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT - OCTOBER 12: Executive Vice President and General Manager, Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings address the media during a press conference to announce the retirement from hockey of Kirk Maltby #18 before a NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche at Joe Louis Arena on Friday October 12, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

There’s no doubt that Pavel Datsyuk will go down as one of the most skilled players in Red Wings history. He’s helped lead the Wings to plenty of victories, including two Stanley Cup titles. Unfortunately for the organization, they can’t dwell on Datsyuk’s career for too long. They have work to do.

GM Ken Holland will be looking to upgrade his team’s roster this off-season, but that will be challenging considering the Wings are stuck with Datsyuk’s full $7.5 million cap hit without having him on the ice.

On Saturday, Holland admitted that he’s had a few teams contact him about taking the Datsyuk contract off his hands, but the asking price is steep.

There’s always a chance that Holland will be able to move the contract. The Chicago Blackhawks finally managed to part ways with Bryan Bickell earlier this week. Unfortunately, It cost them a young player like Teuvo Teravainen.

The situation with Bickell and Datsyuk may appear to be similar, but there are some significant differences. First, Bickell will actually play for Carolina. Whoever gets Datsyuk will acquire only his contract, not him. Second, Bickell’s cap charge is significantly lower at $4 million.

Holland has managed to work his magic in the past which means he might be able to do it again. This time, however, a move will likely cost him a significant young asset or draft pick. But the Wings GM made it clear that he’s not willing to give up any of the team’s top prospects to move the Datsyuk contract.

More from the Holland press conference: