Red Wings fans that have been sweating the future of Pavel Datsyuk in Detroit might be able to put their fears to rest. According to a report from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Datsyuk apparently wants to sign an extension with Detroit this summer and hopes to play for the Red Wings for several more years.
This is huge news for the Red Wings, but it's also big news for the NHL and hockey fans. Rumors were suggesting Datsyuk might finish out his contract with the Red Wings (his deal ends after 2013-14) and then head off to the KHL to finish his professional career in Russia.
After the Red Wings closed out their campaign with a disappointing Game 7 loss to Chicago in the second round, questions about Datsyuk's future again surfaced. It was clear Detroit would welcome back Datsyuk with open arms, but would their star forward return?
It appears we have our answer earlier than anyone expected. The Tweet from Helene St. James indicates Datsyuk will sign an extension and that it might be for multiple years. Obviously, this is enormous news for the Red Wings, but it's also big for hockey fans that love watching hockey played at the highest level.
Regardless of which NHL team you side with, keeping Pavel "Wizard" Datsyuk in the NHL is a huge victory for the league. Here's a reminder of what Datsyuk brings to the table.
