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Sorry Red Wings Fans: The Magic Man Isn’t Coming Back

Datsyuk staying with his Russian club

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Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings
Red Wings Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk plans to stay in Russia working with Avtomobilist of the KHL.

Since taking over as GM of the Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman has been able to bring many legendary franchise icons back into the fold.



Nicklas Lidstrom is the club’s vice-president of hockey operations. Kris Draper is assistant GM and runs Detroit’s amateur scouting department. Niklas Kronwall works in player development. Though not officially on staff, Henrik Zetterberg helps out whenever he’s asked.

Last summer, there was a glimmer of hope that another Red Wings legend might be coming home. Pavel Datsyuk was serving as a guest instructor at the club’s summer development camp. There was excitement of what the Magic Man could teach Red Wings prospects if he were to join the staff on a regular basis.

At the time, Datsyuk was putting a damper on those dreams.

“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.”

Red Wings Icon Staying In Russia

Earlier this week, Datsyuk was truly putting an end to any hope he might be changing his mind. He was confirming that he’s extending his relationship as a development and skills coach with KHL club Avtomobilist in his Russian hometown of Yekaterinburg. After leaving the Red Wings, he would finish his playing career with this club from 2019-21.

“I work for the Avtomobilist club, for which I am very grateful,” Datsyuk told Russian news agency Tass. “They trusted me and allowed me to do what I love, I like it. It’s not that easy, obviously I’m still learning.

“I like being in the arena with the guys, being part of the club and helping it. I will continue to do this with pleasure.”

Datsyuk, 46, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last year.