Datsyuk Embraces His Hall of Fame Moment

Former Detroit Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk will officially be given enshrinement to the Hockey Hall of Fame during induction ceremonies on Monday. On the eve of that iconic moment, as is often the case, he finds himself reflecting on those who helped him along his incredible journey.

Datsyuk’s accomplishments are many. He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion. Datsyuk is also member of the Triple Gold Club, four-time Lady Byng Trophy winner and three-time Selke Trophy winner. Yet rather than talk about his personal achievements, he prefers to cite those who were there for him to make it all possible.

Before Pavel Datsyuk is inducted into the @HockeyHallFame on Monday, let's watch his best shootout goals. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/iEqkVpXYLo

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That list includes his former Red Wings coaches such as Scotty Bowman and Mike Babcock. And most of all, he’s thankful for the tutelage and guidance he was offered by Russian compatriots and Red Wings teammates Igor Larionov and Sergei Fedorov.

They helped me a lot, especially Igor,” Datsyuk told Russian website Sport Express. “They showed me the way to go, explained the rules I had to follow. In general, they made my path to the NHL a lot easier.

“I hope I was a teachable student.”

At the same time, Datsyuk willingness admits having two Russian legends take him under their wing was a double-edged sword. It helped him significantly in his development into an elite NHLer. He believes it also stunted his growth culturally, because he didn’t truly assimilate into the North American lifestyle.

“It had a bad side, though, because I never learned English well,” Datsyuk now admits.

Datsyuk Thankful For Red Wings, Hopeful For Zetterberg

Datsyuk spoke with delight of the fact that he was able to spend his entire NHL career wearing the winged wheel.

“I’m happy that I’ve only played for one team in the NHL,” Datsyuk. “The Red Wings mean a lot to me. It’s like family to me.”

It was thrilling to him to be given the chance to instruct future Red Wings this summer. Datsyuk did so during the club’s development at Little Caesars Arena.

Pavel Datsyuk in the Hockey Hall of Fame, as it should be.#LGRW | @ThinkFordFirst pic.twitter.com/DIIDvipfNa

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“I was happy to come to Detroit this summer for the first time in a long time, see a lot of old friends,” Datsyuk said. “Get on the ice for the first time and be in the locker room of a new arena where I didn’t get to play.”

There’s another thrill he’s hoping to share. That’s to be there when his longtime Red Wings teammate and frequent linemate Henrik Zetterberg gets his call to the Hall.

“He deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Datsyuk said. “I hope that happens. We played similar hockey and worked hard.”