Pavel Datsyuk isn't returning to Red Wings

Fans of the Detroit Red Wings were thrilled to see Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk taking part in the team's recent development camp sessions at Little Caesars Arena, but shouldn't get overly excited. 

Datsyuk will not be taking on a permanent role with the Red Wings in the same vein as former players like Nicklas Lidstrom, Kris Draper, Dan Cleary, Jiri Fischer and of course, GM Steve Yzerman. He's perfectly happy in his role as development coach of Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg of the KHL in his native Russia, something he doesn't plan on departing.

“I miss Detroit but now I have job, I’m hockey player development back at home,” Datsyuk said. “I wanted to see how this goes, wanted more experience and more study from one of the best teams.”

“I want to stay with my family, spend more time at home,” he explained. “I spend lots of time on the road. Now I try to be at home.”

He was happy to see some of his former teammates still within the organization, and was sure to note that he reflects back fondly on what they accomplished together on the ice.

“Of course, I’m happy to see many people who work there when I left,” Datsyuk said. “They still work and are in good shape. I’m happy to see them. I have good memories. I hope they do, too."

Datsyuk, who became the 10th player from the legendary 2001-02 Stanley Cup-winning squad to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, is hopeful to see his former teammate and Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg earn a spot in the Hall soon.

“Of course, we talked slightly,” Datsyuk said. “I would love to see him (get inducted), too.”

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