Hubbry Logo
Pavel DatsyukPavel DatsyukMain
Open search
Pavel Datsyuk
Community hub
Pavel Datsyuk
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Pavel Datsyuk
Pavel Datsyuk
Pavel Datsyuk
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Pavel Valeryevich Datsyuk (Russian: Па́вел Вале́рьевич Дацю́к, IPA: [ˈpavʲɪl dɐˈtsuk]; born 20 July 1978) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player, who played for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2001 to 2016. Nicknamed the "Magic Man", Datsyuk was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history, and was the only active player on the list outside of the NHL at the time of announcement.[1]

Key Information

Datsyuk won the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008 with the Red Wings, and the Gagarin Cup in 2017 with SKA Saint Petersburg. He was part of the Russia men's national ice hockey team at the Olympic Games in 2002, 2006, 2010 and was team captain in 2014 and 2018.[2] With his gold medal win at the 2018 Olympics, Datsyuk joined the Triple Gold Club.[3]

Datsyuk was well known for his elite defensive play and game-changing offensive skills. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward in 2008, 2009 and 2010 while also being a finalist for the award in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He also won four consecutive Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, from 2006 to 2009, awarded for performance and sportsmanship while also being a finalist for the award in 2015. He was nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 2009. He was also a leading player for the Russian hockey team at multiple Olympics and World Cups. Datsyuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.

Early years

[edit]

Datsyuk was born in Sverdlovsk, Russian SFSR, in the Soviet Union. His parents have called him by his short name "Pasha" from an early age. His childhood had more than its fair share of difficulties, especially at the age of 15, when his mother died.[4] While Datsyuk displayed above-average hockey skills, he was often overlooked by scouts because of his smaller size. He began playing for the farm club of Dynamo Yekaterinburg in the mid-1990s, though he seemed headed for an undistinguished career until noted Olympic trainer Vladimir Krikunov began coaching the team.

The boy "with the twitchy walk"[5] caught the eye of Krikunov, but not on the ice. Instead, Datsyuk excelled on the soccer field, where his anticipation, vision and intelligence were more apparent. Under Krikunov, Datsyuk evolved into a particularly efficient two-way player, and he began to draw wider attention among Russian hockey fans.[5] Despite his early successes, however, he went undrafted in the 1996 and 1997 NHL drafts.[6]

Playing career

[edit]

Early play in Russia

[edit]

Datsyuk was first noticed by Detroit Red Wings Director of European Scouting Håkan Andersson in the summer of 1997–98.[specify][7] Andersson was in Moscow to scout defenceman Dmitri Kalinin, but the one who caught his eye was Datsyuk, described as "this little guy on the other team." Andersson made another trip to see Datsyuk and would have gone a third time, though his flight was canceled due to a storm.[7] A scout from the Calgary Flames was scheduled to fly on the plane as well,[8] and as a result of the storm Andersson believes he was the only NHL scout to have seen Datsyuk play prior to the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, when the Red Wings drafted him 171st overall.[7] Despite being selected in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Datsyuk continued to play for Dynamo Yekaterinburg through 2000, when he then played for AK Bars Kazan during the 2000–01 season. During the 2000–01 season for AK Bars Kazan, he recorded 42 games played, nine goals, and 17 assists.[9]

Detroit Red Wings (2001–2016)

[edit]

2001–2006: Early years, first Stanley Cup title

[edit]

When Datsyuk began his NHL career for the Red Wings, he was mentored by compatriot stars Igor Larionov and Sergei Fedorov, as well as Detroit captain Steve Yzerman. He was put on a line with Brett Hull and Boyd Devereaux and had a moderately productive first year. The length and difficulty of the NHL season forced him to sit out a number of games at the end of the year in preparation for the 2002 playoffs. After the Red Wings won the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions, Datsyuk contributed three goals and three assists to the Red Wings' 2002 Stanley Cup run.

Expectations were high for Datsyuk's second season, particularly with the addition of another highly touted prospect to the team, Henrik Zetterberg. Zetterberg replaced Boyd Devereaux on the Datsyuk–Hull line, and the famous version of the "Two Kids and an Old Goat Line" was born. He played only 64 games due to a knee injury but ended up with 51 points for the season. His playoff performance was disappointing, however, the same as the entire Red Wings team; Detroit was swept by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the first round of the 2003 playoffs, and Datsyuk was held pointless within the four games played.

The departure of Sergei Fedorov in the 2003 off-season made room for Datsyuk to rise to prominence on the Red Wings.[10] He took full advantage of his elevated ice time, where his playmaking skills earned him a spot in the 2004 NHL All-Star Game. Datsyuk finished the 2003–04 season with 30 goals and 38 assists for 68 points in 75 games as the Red Wings won the Presidents' Trophy. In the 2004 playoffs, he had no goals and six assists through 12 games before Detroit was eliminated in the second round by the Calgary Flames.

Datsyuk became a restricted free agent during the 2004–05 off-season but could not reach a deal with the Red Wings despite repeated statements by his agent, Gary Greenstin, indicating his desire to stay in Detroit. He chose not to take the salary dispute to arbitration, and instead played with Dynamo Moscow during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. On 4 September 2005, Datsyuk then signed a one-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Superleague (RSL),[11] where Dynamo Moscow matched the offer two days later, retaining the player.[12]

On 19 September 2005, the day the arbitration committee of the RSL was set to determine which club had Datsyuk's rights, Datsyuk agreed to a two-year deal with the Red Wings for a total of US$7.8 million.[12] During the 2005–06 season, which saw the Red Wings win another Presidents' Trophy, Datsyuk's high level of play, combined with his sportsmanship (just 22 penalty minutes for the entire season), won him the Lady Byng Trophy,[13] the first of four consecutive awards. Datsyuk also earned a spot on the Russian national team for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

2006–2013: Ascent to stardom, Selke trophies, second Stanley Cup championship

[edit]

During the 2006–07 season, Datsyuk debuted Reebok's new hockey stick, with holes bored into the shaft to make it more aerodynamic, dubbed the 9KO.[14] He completed the season matching his previous campaign's total of 87 points. Prior to the beginning of the 2007 playoffs, on 6 April 2007, Datsyuk signed a seven-year, US$46.9 million contract extension with the Red Wings.[15] He then helped Detroit to another lengthy playoff run as they advanced to the Western Conference Finals against the second-seeded eventual Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, who defeated the Red Wings in six games. He contributed 16 points (eight goals and assists) in all 18 games during the run.

Datsyuk hoisting the Stanley Cup in June 2008

In 2007–08, Datsyuk was voted by NHL fans, along with teammates Nicklas Lidström and Henrik Zetterberg, to start for the Western Conference in the 2008 All-Star Game at Philips Arena in Atlanta on January 27, 2008.[16] He went on to have a career year, scoring a team-high 97 points (31 goals, 66 assists) in all 82 games while also leading all Red Wings forwards in blocked shots. In leading the team in scoring, he joined Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman as the only players in franchise history to do so in three consecutive seasons. The Red Wings would as a team would also go on to win the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions.[17] Entering into the 2008 playoffs, Datsyuk scored his first career NHL hat-trick on 12 May, in a 5–2 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals,[18] en route to a meeting in the Finals with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Game 6 of the series, Datsyuk recorded two assists on goals by Henrik Zetterberg and Brian Rafalski in a 3–2 win to win the series in six games and clinch the team's 11th Stanley Cup title and its fourth title in 11 years and second for Datsyuk himself. Having led the NHL in 2007–08 with a plus-minus of +41 and 144 takeaways (58 more than Mike Modano's second-best total of 86), Datsyuk was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the League' best defensive forward. With just 20 penalty minutes, he also won the Lady Byng Trophy.[19] In voting for the Selke, Datsyuk received 537 points (43 first place votes) while John Madden of the New Jersey Devils received 447 points and Datsyuk's linemate Henrik Zetterberg received 425 points. In voting for the Lady Byng, Datsyuk received 985 points (75 first place votes). In addition, Datsyuk became the first NHL player to win the Lady Byng three consecutive times in over 70 years, since Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won from 1933 to 1935. Datsyuk, Anze Kopitar, and Ron Francis are the only players to have been awarded both the Selke and Lady Byng trophies during their careers.

Datsyuk was selected to his third NHL All-Star Game in 2009, but due to a hip injury, he did not participate.[20] However, as per a newly formed League policy stating players must demonstrate injury by missing at least one game prior to the All-Star Game, Datsyuk was suspended one game, along with teammate Nicklas Lidström, for not attending.[21] On 13 February 2009, Datsyuk played in his 500th NHL game in a 3–2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and recorded an assist in the game on a Nicklas Lidström goal. Datsyuk finished the 2008–09 season with 97 points (32 goals and 65 assists) in 81 games, matching his career high from the previous season. He also won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, beating out Philadelphia Flyers center Mike Richards and Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler, and won the Lady Byng for the fourth consecutive season.[22] Datsyuk also received a nomination for the Best NHL Player Award at the ESPYs, but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins' center and captain Sidney Crosby.[23] In game two in the third round of the 2009 playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks, Datsyuk blocked a shot from a Chicago player, causing him to miss the remainder of the series.[24] In his absence, Datsyuk and the Red Wings would reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a second consecutive season against the Pittsburgh Penguins and third time under Datsyuk's career. After not playing the last three games of the third round and the first four games of the Finals, Datsyuk returned to the lineup for Game 5. Despite building a 3–2 series lead and on the verge of clinching a second straight championship, Datsyuk and the Red Wings would fall to the Penguins in Games 6 and 7 (both by 2–1 scores) to lose the series in seven games, one win short from a second consecutive Stanley Cup championship and third altogether.[25] He ended the playoffs with a goal and eight assists for nine points in 16 games.

Datsyuk finished with his lowest end-of-season point total since the lockout in the 2009–10 season, scoring 70 points in 80 games for his third straight Selke Trophy.[26] As a result of early season injuries to sniper Johan Franzén, center Valtteri Filppula and defenceman Niklas Kronwall, the Red Wings struggled to find consistency. However, a strong finish escalated the team from ninth place in the Western Conference in February to fifth place. Datsyuk scored the first two goals in Game 7 of the first round against the fourth-seeded Phoenix Coyotes, including a breakaway deke on Ilya Bryzgalov, that sent the Wings to the second round for the fourth consecutive playoff season.[27] The Red Wings, however, lost in five games to the top-seeded San Jose Sharks.

Datsyuk in November 2012 playing for CSKA during the 2012 NHL lockout

Datsyuk achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick on the opening night of the 2010–11 season on October 8, 2010, against the Anaheim Ducks with a goal, an assist and a fight, which came against Corey Perry.[28] On 22 December, Datsyuk suffered a broken wrist in a game against the Vancouver Canucks as a result of a collision with Canucks' winger Mikael Samuelsson, causing him to miss the next 19 games.[29][30] Despite an injury-shortened year, Datsyuk was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the fourth straight season, which ultimately went to Vancouver Canucks' center Ryan Kesler. After recording 23 goals, 36 assists and 59 points in 56 games in the regular season, Datsyuk was yet again impressive in the 2011 playoffs, leading his team with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in all 11 games. After sweeping the sixth-seeded Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, the Red Wings fell behind 3–0 to the second-seeded San Jose Sharks in the second round (which also happened the previous year), Datsyuk almost led his team back from the deficit to win the series; a Game 5-winning assist to Tomas Holmström's goal, a Game 6-winning assist to Valtteri Filppula's goal and a Game 7 late backhand goal on Sharks' goaltender Antti Niemi highlighted Datsyuk's heroics in an eventual losing effort.

During the entirety of the 2011 pre-season, Datsyuk wore jersey number 24 as a tribute to former teammate Ruslan Salei, who perished on 7 September 2011, in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash, along with 43 others until switching back to his usual number 13 for the 2011–12 season.[31] Datsyuk was an early-season candidate for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the League MVP, until surgery to remove fragments in his knee on 21 February 2012 forced the Red Wings into a slump.[32] Despite him returning to the lineup after missing 11 games, the team dropped from first place in the Western Conference in February to fifth place at the end of the season, where they drew the fourth-seeded Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2012 playoffs, losing the series in five games. Datsyuk finished the season with 67 points (19 goals, 48 assists) in 70 games for the season followed by one goals, two assists and three points in all five playoff games, and was also named to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa.[33] Datsyuk was also named a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the fifth straight season which was eventually awarded to Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron.

As the NHL entered its second lockout in eight years in 2012–13, Datsyuk followed other prominent NHL players, such as Washington Capitals winger and captain Alexander Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, in playing overseas while the lockout was in effect; he signed with CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on 16 September 2012.[34] Datsyuk tallied 36 points in 31 games. When play for the NHL resumed in January 2013 for a 48 game-shortened regular season, Datsyuk returned to the Red Wings and managed to score 15 goals, 34 assists for 49 points in 47 games. Datysuk was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the sixth straight year, ultimately ceding the award to Chicago Blackhawks center and captain Jonathan Toews. Detroit as a team finished as the seventh seed and as a result would take on the second-seeded Anaheim Ducks in the first round where they would upset them in seven games (recovering from a 3–2 series deficit along the way) and make it back to the second round of the 2013 playoffs where they were defeated by the Presidents' Trophy-winning and eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in seven games via an overtime goal in game seven by Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook. The Red Wings lost the series despite having a 3–1 series lead.

2013–2016: Final years in Detroit

[edit]

On 18 June 2013, Datsyuk signed a three-year extension to stay with Detroit.[35] On 23 November, Datsyuk suffered a concussion against the Ottawa Senators as a result from a hit by Senators defenceman Jared Cowen, causing him to miss the next six games.[36] Throughout the 2013–14 campaign, Datsyuk had also been hampered by a knee injury which resulted in him missing 15 games after the season resumed following the Olympic break.[37] He finished the injury-shortened 2013–14 season with 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 45 games played along with five points (three goals, two assists) in all five playoff games in a Red Wings first round exit in the 2014 playoffs to the Presidents' Trophy-winning Boston Bruins.[38]

Datsyuk missed the first five games of the 2014–15 regular season due to a separated shoulder sustained in a pre-season game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on 22 September 2014 as a result from a hit from Penguins' defenceman Rob Scuderi.[39] He ultimately finished the season with 26 goals and 39 assists for 65 points in 63 contests played followed by five points (three goals, two assists) in all seven games in the 2015 playoffs in the Red Wings first seven-game round exit to the Tampa Bay Lightning and was a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the sixth time in his career with former Red Wing teammate Jiri Hudler of the Calgary Flames receiving the award.[40][41][42]

Datsyuk missed the first 15 games of the 2015–16 season recovering from ruptured tendons in his ankle that required surgery.[43] On 14 February 2016, Datsyuk recorded his 900th point against in a 6–5 win over the Boston Bruins with a goal on Bruins' goaltender Tuukka Rask to become the sixth Red Wing player and fifth Russian player in league history to reach the milestone.[44] Datsyuk was named the First Star of the Week for the week ending 15 February. He shared the league lead with five goals and tied for second overall with seven points in four games to help lead the Red Wings to seven out of a possible eight standings points.[45] Datsyuk completed the 2015–16 season playing in 66 games with 16 goals, 33 assists and 49 points and was held pointless in all five games in the 2016 playoffs in the Red Wings first round exit to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second straight season with this series ending in five games this time around.[46]

On 18 June 2016, Datsyuk announced that he was leaving Detroit to play in Russia, ending his 14-year career with the Red Wings. He left the Wings having won two Stanley Cups (2002 and 2008), four consecutive Lady Byng trophies (2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009), 953 games played, and 918 points. He was the last remaining member of the Wings' 2002 Stanley Cup Championship team.[47][48]

On 24 June 2016, the Red Wings traded Datsyuk's contract to the Arizona Coyotes with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft for the 20th overall pick, the 53rd overall pick, and Joe Vitale to clear salary cap space.[49]

Return to Russia (2016–2021)

[edit]

SKA Saint Petersburg: 2016–2019

[edit]
Datsyuk with Dmitry Medvedev after winning gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang

On 8 July 2016, Datsyuk signed a two-year contract with powerhouse SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL.[50][51] During the 2016–17 season, Datsyuk recorded 12 goals and 22 assists in 44 regular season games, and helped lead SKA Saint Petersburg to the Gagarin Cup in his first season back in the KHL.[52] During the 2017–18 season, Datsyuk recorded eight goals and 27 assists in 37 regular season games. On 17 April 2018, Datsyuk signed a one-year contract extension with SKA Saint Petersburg.[53]

He was named "Male Athlete of the Year" in the nomination "Pride of Russia" by the Ministry of Sport of Russia, leaving behind runner Sergey Shubenkov and cross-country skier Alexander Bolshunov.[54]

Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg: 2019–2021

[edit]

Following completion of the 2018–19 season, his third with SKA, Datsyuk left the club as a free agent following the conclusion of his contract.[55] On 5 June 2019, despite light speculation of a possible reunion with the Red Wings, Datsyuk opted to continue in the KHL, returning to play in his hometown with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg on a one-year contract.[56] On 10 July 2020, Datsyuk extended with Avtomobilist for another one-year contract.[57] He retired in 2021.

Playing style

[edit]

Throughout his career in the NHL, Datsyuk was known as a top two-way forward with stellar play in both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward three straight times in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and was also a finalist six straight times having also been named a finalist in 2011, 2012, 2013.[58] In addition to his defensive style of play, Datsyuk was also well known for his backhand shot and ability to deke and maneuver around opposing players while stickhandling, a move that was eventually named "The Datsyukian" and Datsyuk himself being nicknamed "The Magic Man".[59]

"I'd call Datsyuk a master chess player. As a goalie, your nightmare is when the puck carrier has multiple options. Datsyuk has a knack for seeing the entire ice and holding onto the puck until space opens up and he has a couple different plays he can make. He kind of stretches you and forces you to get caught in the middle of taking away the shot or taking away the pass. You have to commit to one or you're toast. It's a 50-50 gamble sometimes with him."[60]

— Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick on Datsyuk, July 2015

Personal life

[edit]

At the age of 18, Datsyuk met his future wife Svetlana in Yekaterinburg. They married three years later, and had a daughter named Elizabeth in 2004.[61] They divorced in 2010. Datsyuk got married for a second time in 2012; his new wife is named Maria. On 23 April 2014, she gave birth to his second child, a daughter named Vasilisa.[62] His third child, a son named Pavel Jr., was born in February 2017.[63]

He is a Russian Orthodox Christian.[64]

Career achievements

[edit]

International

[edit]

Datsyuk warming up during a 2012 World Championship game
Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing
 Olympic Athletes from Russia
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2018 Pyeongchang
Representing  Russia
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 2002 Salt Lake City
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2012 Finland/Sweden
Silver medal – second place 2010 Germany
Bronze medal – third place 2005 Austria
Bronze medal – third place 2016 Russia
  • World Championship best forward – 2010
  • World Championship All-Star team – 2010
  • Olympic All-Star team – 2018[65]

NHL

[edit]

KHL

[edit]
  • Gagarin Cup champion – 2017
  • 2-time KHL All-Star – 2013, 2017
  • Sergey Gimayev Prize (top veteran player) – 2021

Other

[edit]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1994–95 SKA Avtomobilist–2 Yekaterinburg RUS.2 8 0 1 1 4 — — — — —
1995–96 SKA Avtomobilist–2 Yekaterinburg RUS.2 44 8 9 17 8 — — — — —
1996–97 Spartak Yekaterinburg RSL 18 2 2 4 4 — — — — —
1996–97 SKA Yekaterinburg RUS.3 7 3 3 6 2 — — — — —
1997–98 Dinamo–Energija Yekaterinburg RSL 24 3 4 7 4 — — — — —
1998–99 Dinamo–Energija Yekaterinburg RUS.2 13 9 8 17 2 — — — — —
1998–99 Dinamo–Energija–2 Yekaterinburg RUS.3 10 14 14 28 4 — — — — —
1999–2000 Dinamo–Energija Yekaterinburg RSL 15 1 3 4 4 — — — — —
2000–01 Ak Bars Kazan RSL 42 9 19 28 12 4 0 1 1 2
2001–02 Detroit Red Wings NHL 70 11 24 35 4 21 3 3 6 2
2002–03 Detroit Red Wings NHL 64 12 39 51 16 4 0 0 0 0
2003–04 Detroit Red Wings NHL 75 30 38 68 35 12 0 6 6 2
2004–05 Dynamo Moscow RSL 47 15 17 32 16 10 6 3 9 4
2005–06 Detroit Red Wings NHL 75 28 59 87 22 5 0 3 3 0
2006–07 Detroit Red Wings NHL 79 27 60 87 20 18 8 8 16 8
2007–08 Detroit Red Wings NHL 82 31 66 97 20 22 10 13 23 6
2008–09 Detroit Red Wings NHL 81 32 65 97 22 16 1 8 9 5
2009–10 Detroit Red Wings NHL 80 27 43 70 18 12 6 7 13 8
2010–11 Detroit Red Wings NHL 56 23 36 59 15 11 4 11 15 8
2011–12 Detroit Red Wings NHL 70 19 48 67 14 5 1 2 3 2
2012–13 CSKA Moscow KHL 31 11 25 36 4 — — — — —
2012–13 Detroit Red Wings NHL 47 15 34 49 14 14 3 6 9 4
2013–14 Detroit Red Wings NHL 45 17 20 37 6 5 3 2 5 0
2014–15 Detroit Red Wings NHL 63 26 39 65 8 7 3 2 5 2
2015–16 Detroit Red Wings NHL 66 16 33 49 14 5 0 0 0 4
2016–17 SKA Saint Petersburg KHL 44 12 22 34 14 7 3 5 8 27
2017–18 SKA Saint Petersburg KHL 37 8 27 35 8 15 4 3 7 0
2018–19 SKA Saint Petersburg KHL 54 12 30 42 6 12 1 6 7 4
2019–20 Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg KHL 43 5 17 22 10 4 2 2 4 2
2020–21 Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg KHL 51 12 23 35 10 5 1 2 3 0
RSL totals 146 30 45 75 40 14 6 4 10 6
NHL totals 953 314 604 918 228 157 42 71 113 55
KHL totals 260 60 144 204 52 43 11 18 29 33

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2001 Russia WC 6th 7 0 4 4 0
2002 Russia OG 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 6 1 2 3 0
2003 Russia WC 7th 7 1 4 5 0
2004 Russia WCH 5th 4 1 0 1 0
2005 Russia WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 9 3 4 7 0
2006 Russia OG 4th 8 1 7 8 10
2010 Russia OG 6th 4 1 2 3 2
2010 Russia WC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 6 6 1 7 0
2012 Russia WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 10 3 4 7 2
2014 Russia OG 5th 5 2 4 6 0
2016 Russia WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 10 1 10 11 0
2016 Russia WCH 4th 2 0 2 2 0
2018 OAR OG 1st place, gold medalist(s) 6 0 6 6 0
2018 Russia WC 6th 8 2 8 10 2
Senior totals 92 22 58 80 16

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pavel Datsyuk

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Pavel Datsyuk is a retired Russian renowned for his exceptional two-way play, elite defensive skills, and dazzling offensive creativity during a distinguished career spanning the NHL and KHL. Born on July 20, 1978, in Sverdlovsk (now ), , Datsyuk overcame early personal hardships, including the loss of both parents in his teens, to become one of the most skilled players of his generation. Drafted in the sixth round (171st overall) by the in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, he debuted in the NHL during the 2001–02 season and played exclusively for over 14 seasons, amassing 918 points (314 goals and 604 assists) in 953 regular-season games while posting a plus-249 rating. Datsyuk's tenure with the Red Wings was marked by two championships in 2002 and 2008, where he contributed significantly as a key center on the team's successful rosters alongside legends like and . His defensive prowess earned him the as the NHL's top defensive forward three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010, while his sportsmanship and skill led to four Lady Byng Memorial Trophies between 2006 and 2009, making him the only player in the modern era to win the latter award in four straight seasons. Additionally, he was named to the NHL Second Team in 2009 and participated in three All-Star Games (2004, 2008, 2012). In recognition of his impact, Datsyuk was selected as one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players in 2017 and inducted into the in 2024 as part of the Class alongside , , and others. Internationally, Datsyuk represented at five Olympic Winter Games from 2002 to 2018, securing a in 2002 at and a in 2018 at PyeongChang as of the Olympic Athletes from Russia team, which completed his entry into the exclusive (, Olympics, and IIHF World Championship). He also competed in seven IIHF World Championships, winning gold in 2012, silver in 2010, and in 2005 and 2016, while being named the tournament's best forward in 2010. After leaving the NHL following the 2015–16 season to return to , Datsyuk played in the (KHL) for (2016–2019), where he won the in 2017—earning the Quadruple Gold Club distinction—and later for (2019–2022), before announcing his retirement from professional hockey on July 2, 2022. In November 2024, he signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Red Wings to formally retire as a member of the organization.

Early life

Childhood and family

Pavel Datsyuk was born on July 20, 1978, in Sverdlovsk (now ), an industrial city in the , approximately 900 miles east of . He grew up in a modest three-room with his parents, Galina and Valery, and an older sister, sharing a bedroom with his sibling during his early years. His father worked as a delivery truck driver, while his mother was employed as a cook, reflecting the working-class environment of their household in the Soviet-era city. Datsyuk's childhood was marked by significant hardships, particularly the loss of his , Galina, who died of cancer when he was 15 years old. This tragedy left the family in financial strain, as Datsyuk later recalled the emotional weight of her passing and the challenges of growing up without her guidance. His father, , passed away in 2005 from a heart attack while sitting behind the wheel in a , further compounding the family's losses during Datsyuk's early adulthood. Despite these difficulties, Datsyuk's father played a key role in introducing him to sports, bringing the scrawny young boy to a local club where he initially chose chess over hockey for about a year before committing to the ice. This early exposure, amid the freezing outdoor rinks near their apartment, helped shape his resilience and dedication. Following his mother's death, Datsyuk immersed himself in athletics as a mechanism, balancing hockey with soccer while playing for local clubs, which honed his and competitive spirit in resource-limited conditions. His family's emphasis on perseverance amid adversity influenced his quiet, determined personality, traits that carried into his professional career.

Introduction to hockey

Pavel Datsyuk was introduced to at a young age in his hometown of (then Sverdlovsk), , where the sport was deeply embedded in the local culture during the Soviet . Born on July 20, 1978, he began playing informally around age seven through neighborhood teams and recreational activities common in the region, often engaging in unstructured games with friends on outdoor rinks. This early exposure fostered a natural affinity for the physical and social aspects of the game, as Datsyuk later recalled enjoying "all games where there was physical activity and friends to chat with." At age seven, Datsyuk entered formal training at the local Children and Youth Sports School (CYSS) in , joining the youth program of Yunost , a prominent developmental team in the area. His initial sessions emphasized technical drills followed by free play, reflecting the Soviet-influenced coaching philosophy that prioritized creativity and decision-making over rigid structure—inspired by legendary coach . Datsyuk noted that his coaches "were giving us more opportunities to make our own decisions and play with our own style," which allowed for during evening practices that often extended into informal scrimmages until late at night. Multisport participation, including soccer on ice and games in felt boots, further honed his agility and adaptability. Early challenges shaped Datsyuk's resilience, including limited access to proper equipment; he started with white figure skates instead of hockey skates, enduring taunts like "Hey, figure skater!" from peers, which ironically enhanced his edge work and skating proficiency. With his father's help, he customized wooden sticks by heating them over a to achieve the desired curve, practicing shots at home despite occasional mishaps like breaking a . Tragedy struck in late 1993 when his mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer and died shortly after on January 24, 1994, at the age of 15, leaving a profound impact on his determination to pursue hockey seriously. By age 16, he advanced to Dynamo-Energiya , marking the transition from youth novice to competitive junior player.

Club career

Early career in Russia

Pavel Datsyuk began his organized hockey career in his hometown of , , joining local youth teams as a teenager before transitioning to professional play in the mid-1990s. At age 16, he debuted in the (RSL) with Dynamo-Energiya during the 1996-97 season, initially appearing in lower divisions such as Russia-3 and Russia-2 leagues to build experience. Prior to this, Datsyuk had played junior hockey with SKA-Avtomobilist -2 in the Russia-2 league from 1994 to 1996, where he recorded modest production, including 17 points in 44 games in his second season. Datsyuk's time with Dynamo-Energiya spanned from 1996 to 2000, marked by steady development amid challenges in a competitive environment. In the 1996-97 season with Spartak (a farm affiliate), he played 18 regular-season games in the RSL, scoring 4 points, and contributed 22 points in 36 relegation games as the team fought to maintain its status. Over the next three seasons with Dynamo-Energiya, his role grew, though output varied due to injuries; he tallied 7 points in 24 RSL games in 1997-98 and 4 points in 15 games in 1999-00. A significant setback occurred during this period when Datsyuk suffered a serious that initially limited his mobility after an ineffective . In 2000, Datsyuk transferred to in the RSL for a reported $100,000, under the guidance of coach Vladimir Krikunov, who recognized his potential. He underwent six months of rehabilitation in Kazan, which allowed him to regain form and make a strong impression in the 2000-01 season, registering 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists) in 42 regular-season games with a plus-23 rating, helping the team reach the . This performance, combined with his selection by the in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft (seventh round, 171st overall), positioned him for his NHL transition in 2001.
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIM+/-
1996-97Spartak YekaterinburgRSL182244-
1997-98Dynamo-Energiya RSL243474-2
1998-99Dynamo-Energiya Russia213981729
1999-00Dynamo-Energiya RSL151344-3
2000-01RSL42919281223
Note: Table summarizes key regular-season stats; full junior and playoff details available in source data.

Detroit Red Wings

Pavel Datsyuk was selected by the in the sixth round, 171st overall, of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. After spending three seasons with Dynamo Yekaterinburg in Russia's Superleague, he made his NHL debut with during the 2001–02 season, immediately contributing to the team's success as a versatile . In his rookie year, Datsyuk recorded 39 points in 75 games, helping the Red Wings capture the and win the , their 14th in franchise history and first since 1998. His playoff performance included six points in 20 games, showcasing his defensive reliability alongside offensive flashes. Over his 14-season tenure with from 2001–02 to 2015–16, Datsyuk established himself as one of the league's premier two-way forwards, amassing 314 goals and 604 assists for 918 points in 953 regular-season games, while posting a plus-249 rating that underscored his defensive excellence. He played a pivotal role in the Red Wings' 2007–08 victory, contributing 97 points in the regular season and 23 points in 22 games, including 10 goals. That championship marked the team's second Cup during Datsyuk's tenure, following the 2002 victory, with the team also securing three Clarence S. Campbell Bowls (2002, 2008, 2009) and four Presidents' Trophies (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008). In the playoffs overall, he tallied 113 points (42 goals, 71 assists) in 157 games, demonstrating consistency in high-stakes situations. Datsyuk's defensive prowess earned him the as the NHL's top defensive forward three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010, a feat highlighting his ability to neutralize opponents while generating offense. He also won the for sportsmanship and performance four times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), accumulating just 228 penalty minutes over his career despite his physical, stick-checking style. Additional honors included the 2008 and selections to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2009, along with three appearances (2004, 2008, 2012). Nicknamed "The " for his elite stickhandling and hockey IQ, Datsyuk anchored Detroit's penalty kill and , often centering lines with and forming part of the team's "European influence" that revitalized the franchise in the 2000s. In his later years, injuries limited Datsyuk to 47 games in 2013–14 and 58 in 2014–15, but he still produced at an elite level, including 67 points in 2014–15. He left the NHL after the 2015–16 season to return to . In November 2024, he signed a one-day ceremonial contract with to formally retire as a Red Wing, concluding a career that solidified his status as a franchise . Datsyuk's blend of skill and tenacity helped sustain Detroit's perennial contention, influencing a generation of players with his complete game.
AwardYears Won
2002, 2008
2008, 2009, 2010
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
NHL All-Star2004, 2008, 2012

SKA Saint Petersburg

After leaving the in 2016, Pavel Datsyuk signed a two-year contract with of the (KHL) on July 8, 2016, marking his return to professional hockey in at age 38. As team captain, Datsyuk brought his veteran leadership and two-way play to a stacked roster featuring stars like and Evgeni Dadonov, helping the team dominate the Western Conference. In the 2016–17 season, Datsyuk recorded 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points in 44 regular-season games, contributing to 's league-leading 129 points and the Bobrov Division title. Selected for the KHL that year, he excelled in the with 3 goals and 5 assists in 7 games, including key contributions in the Final sweep against . SKA clinched the championship on April 16, 2017, giving Datsyuk the KHL's top honor to complement his two Stanley Cups. Datsyuk extended his contract with SKA for two more years on April 18, 2018, following a solid 2017–18 campaign where he tallied 8 goals and 27 assists for 35 points in 37 regular-season games, despite missing time due to injury. In the playoffs, he added 4 goals and 3 assists over 15 games as SKA reached the conference final but fell to CSKA Moscow. His steady production continued in 2018–19, with 12 goals and 30 assists for 42 points in 54 regular-season games and 7 playoff points in 12 games, though SKA was eliminated in the conference semifinal by Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Over three seasons with SKA, Datsyuk amassed 111 points in 135 regular-season games and 22 points in 34 playoff contests, solidifying his role as a mentor and clutch performer on one of the KHL's most successful teams.
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-Playoff GPPlayoff Pts
2016–17SKA4412223414+2078
2017–18SKA37827358+6157
2018–19SKA541230426+24127
TotalSKA135327911128+503422

Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg

Pavel Datsyuk signed a one-year contract with on June 5, 2019, returning to his hometown club in the (KHL) after three seasons with . Born in , Datsyuk had begun his professional career with the club's predecessor, Dynamo-Energiya Yekaterinburg, making the move a sentimental homecoming at age 40. The signing ended speculation about a potential NHL return and allowed him to continue playing in while contributing to a team aiming to build on its recent playoff appearances. In the 2019–20 season, Datsyuk appeared in 43 regular-season games for Avtomobilist, recording 5 goals and 17 assists for 22 points, along with a +12 rating. His production was solid but limited by injuries, as he missed time early in the campaign; nonetheless, he provided veteran leadership on a team that qualified for the , where he added 4 goals in 13 postseason games before Avtomobilist was eliminated in the conference semifinals. Datsyuk's play emphasized his trademark two-way prowess, using his elite stickhandling and positioning to generate scoring chances while maintaining defensive reliability. Datsyuk extended his contract for another one-year deal on July 10, , committing to Avtomobilist through the 2020–21 season despite turning 42 that summer. He enjoyed a stronger sophomore year, playing all 51 regular-season games and tallying 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points, again posting a . Starting the season on a hot streak with 8 points (including a +10 rating) in his first 7 games, Datsyuk helped anchor the top line and contributed to Avtomobilist's push into the . In the postseason, he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists in 5 games as the team fell in the first round. Datsyuk signed another one-year extension for the 2021–22 season. At age 43, he played 40 regular-season games, recording 7 goals and 16 assists for 23 points with a +10 rating. In the playoffs, Avtomobilist advanced to the Final for the first time in franchise history, where Datsyuk contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 14 games before the team lost to . Following the 2021–22 season, Datsyuk retired from professional hockey on July 2, 2022, at age 43. For his loyalty and contributions to the club and Russian hockey, he received the Sergei Gimayev Prize for Loyalty to Hockey in 2021, his second such honor. Datsyuk's tenure not only boosted Avtomobilist's competitiveness but also inspired younger players with his enduring skill and professionalism in his hometown arena.

International career

Olympic participation

Pavel Datsyuk represented Russia (and Olympic Athletes from Russia in 2018) at five Winter Olympics, debuting at the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City and concluding with the 2018 Games in PyeongChang. Over these tournaments, he amassed 26 points in 29 games, showcasing his two-way prowess as a center, though Russia secured medals only in his first and last appearances. His leadership was evident in later editions, serving as team captain for the 2014 Sochi Olympics—hosted in his home country—and the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where he led the squad to gold at age 39. At the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, Datsyuk, then 23 and in his first international tournament, contributed to Russia's finish, defeating 7-2 in the bronze-medal game. In six games, he recorded 1 and 2 assists for 3 points, with a +4 rating, helping Russia secure after a semifinal loss to . Datsyuk returned for the 2006 Olympics, where placed fourth after a 4-2 quarterfinal loss to . He excelled offensively in eight games, tallying 1 goal and 7 assists for 8 points and a +5 rating, tying for the tournament lead in assists among players. In the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, an injury-limited tournament for Datsyuk saw exit in the quarterfinals with a 7-3 defeat to . He played four games, scoring 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points and a +2 rating. Despite a lower-body injury sustained during the NHL season that cast doubt on his participation, Datsyuk captained at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and played all five games before a 3-1 quarterfinal loss to . He posted 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points, including three assists in a 5-0 group-stage over . Datsyuk's final Olympic appearance came at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where he again served as for the Olympic Athletes from (OAR) team amid Russia's doping sanctions. The team won gold with a 4-3 victory over in the final, marking Datsyuk's entry into the (Olympic gold, IIHF World Championship gold, and ). In six games, he recorded 6 assists for 6 points and an +8 rating, providing veteran stability to a roster without NHL players.
YearLocationTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-ResultRole
2002Russia61230+4Player
2006Russia817810+54thPlayer
2010Russia41232+2QuarterfinalsPlayer
2014Russia52460+3QuarterfinalsCaptain
2018PyeongChangOAR60660+8Captain

IIHF World Championships

Pavel Datsyuk represented at seven IIHF World Championships between 2001 and 2018, contributing to four medals during his international tenure with the national team. His debut came in 2001, marking the start of a selective but impactful presence at the tournament, often balancing his demanding NHL schedule with the Red Wings. Over these appearances, Datsyuk tallied 51 points in 57 games, showcasing his two-way prowess with a focus on playmaking in later years. Datsyuk's most notable performance occurred at the in , where he led to a after a 2-0 final loss to Czechia. Playing just six games due to an early , he exploded offensively with six goals and one assist, earning tournament MVP honors as the best forward with a 7.00 points-per-game average. This outburst included a hat trick in a 6-1 preliminary-round win over , highlighting his scoring efficiency under pressure. In 2012, Datsyuk helped secure gold at the Helsinki-Stockholm tournament, defeating 1-0 in the final. He recorded three goals and four assists over 10 games, anchoring the top line alongside Alex Ovechkin and contributing to Russia's dominant 6-2-0 preliminary record. Two years later, at the edition in , he earned a with one goal and a tournament-high 10 assists in 10 games, including key setups in the 4-1 win over the . Earlier, in , Datsyuk notched three goals en route to Russia's finish in . His other appearances in 2001, 2003, and 2018 yielded no medals, with Datsyuk focusing on steady contributions like four assists in his debut tournament and eight assists in his final Worlds effort at age 39. Throughout, Datsyuk's penalty minutes remained minimal, reflecting his disciplined style, and he won the 2016 tournament's best percentage award at 64.02%.
YearGPGAPtsPIMMedal
200170440None
200371450None
200593470
201066170Silver
2012103472
201610110110
2018828102None
Stats sourced from Elite Prospects.

Playing style and impact

Offensive and defensive skills

Pavel Datsyuk was renowned for his exceptional offensive skills, particularly his elite puck handling and creative stick work that earned him the nickname "." His signature "Datsyukian dekes," such as the forehand-to-backhand maneuver, allowed him to evade defenders with deceptive speed and precision, often turning routine plays into highlight-reel goals or assists. As a , Datsyuk demonstrated remarkable vision, delivering precise passes to teammates even in tight spaces, as noted by former linemate Marian Hossa: "He always gets the puck to you." Over his NHL , he amassed 918 points in 953 games, including two seasons with 97 points each in 2007-08 and 2008-09, where he ranked among the league's top scorers. Defensively, Datsyuk was one of the most complete forwards in NHL history, winning the as the league's best defensive forward three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010. His subtle stick-checking technique and anticipation enabled him to strip the puck from opponents without drawing penalties, often intercepting passes from behind the carrier to spark counterattacks. Datsyuk's defensive impact was quantified by his team's low shot attempts against (42.6 per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 since 2007-08, the lowest among qualifying forwards) and top-10 rankings in goals against during that period. He frequently shut down elite opponents like and on the penalty kill, combining physical balance with high hockey IQ to maintain possession and limit scoring chances. Datsyuk's two-way prowess set him apart, as he seamlessly transitioned from defensive responsibilities to offensive threats, a trait praised by general manager : "As hard on the backcheck as he is chasing the puck." This balance allowed him to average at least a point per game in multiple seasons while earning four Lady Byng Trophies for and performance, underscoring his ability to dominate both ends without compromising integrity. His partnership with exemplified this style, as the duo's defensive reliability tilted ice possession in 's favor while generating scoring opportunities through synchronized plays.

Legacy on teams and players

Datsyuk's tenure with the from 2001 to 2016 was instrumental in sustaining the team's dynasty during the , as he contributed to two championships in 2002 and 2008 while helping the club reach the in all 14 of his seasons. His elite two-way play, characterized by exceptional puck possession, defensive awareness, and offensive creativity, elevated the Red Wings' forechecking and transition game, making him a cornerstone of their consistent success under coach . Former general manager described Datsyuk as "the best two-way forward in the world," crediting his ability to win faceoffs, neutralize opponents, and generate scoring chances as pivotal to the team's identity. On the ice, Datsyuk's influence extended to teammates through his work ethic and innovative skills, inspiring a generation of forwards to blend finesse with tenacity. , his longtime linemate, often credited Datsyuk's vision and stickhandling for unlocking his own potential during their shared Cup runs. Younger players like emulated Datsyuk's off-puck movement and hand strength, with Larkin noting, "I'd always watch Datsyuk without the puck, watch how hard he works… He had just such strong hands." Even opponents acknowledged his impact; recalled Datsyuk as "the first guy I played against that was scary to play against without being so physical," highlighting how his deceptive play forced adjustments across the league. , a Red Wings icon, praised him for "do[ing] something special every shift," underscoring Datsyuk's role in mentoring emerging talent and fostering a culture of excellence. In the (KHL), Datsyuk's return to amplified his legacy as a veteran leader. With from 2016 to 2019, he provided stability and playmaking during their 2017 victory, recording 3 goals and 5 assists in the playoffs despite a regular-season output of 12 goals and 22 assists hampered by injuries. His presence alongside stars like helped instill NHL-honed discipline and tactical depth, contributing to SKA's dominant playoff run that year. Datsyuk concluded his playing career with hometown club from 2019 to 2022, where he served as a guiding figure for younger Russian prospects in his final seasons before transitioning to a player development role upon retirement in 2022. In this capacity, he has focused on skill development and mentorship, drawing on his two-way expertise to shape the next generation of KHL talent in , his birthplace. Overall, Datsyuk's career bridged eras and leagues, leaving a blueprint for versatile, intelligent hockey that continues to influence players worldwide, as evidenced by his 2024 induction.

Personal life

Family and residences

Pavel Datsyuk was first married to Datsyuk, whom he met at age 18 in his hometown of ; they wed in 2001 and had a daughter, Elizabeth, born in 2004. The couple divorced in 2010, after which Elizabeth remained in Russia with her mother. Datsyuk cited his desire to be closer to Elizabeth as a key factor in his 2016 decision to leave the NHL and return to . In 2012, Datsyuk married his second wife, Maria Datsyuk (née Panfilova), a former Russian model. Together, they have two children: a daughter, Vasilisa, born on April 23, 2014, and a son, Pavel Jr., born on February 12, 2017. The family resides primarily in , , Datsyuk's birthplace, where he has been involved with the local Avtomobilist club since 2019, including as a development coach following his 2022 retirement, and extended his role into 2025, participating in a farewell match in August 2025. During his 14-year NHL tenure with the , Datsyuk lived in , in a custom-built lakeside mansion featuring amenities like a home theater, gym, indoor pool, and panic room; the 13,000-square-foot property was listed for sale in 2019 for $4.5 million shortly after his return to . Since 2016, he has maintained residences in , including time at a family cottage, as confirmed by his agent in 2020 amid speculation about his whereabouts.

Philanthropy and off-ice pursuits

Datsyuk has engaged in primarily focused on supporting children and youth development, drawing from his own experiences with loss and hardship. In 2015, he donated several items—including an autographed , puck, and a practice visit with meet-and-greet opportunity—to a for SandCastles Children's Support Program in , which provides free year-round counseling for children aged 3-18 dealing with bereavement. Motivated by the death of his mother when he was 12 and his father when he was 26, Datsyuk stated that helping grieving children was a privilege, emphasizing his commitment to aiding those in similar circumstances. A significant portion of Datsyuk's charitable efforts centers on youth hockey in , where he has organized and subsidized annual training camps since at least 2010. These camps, held in locations such as Ekaterinburg and , target children aged 8-12, offering professional instruction, equipment from sponsors like , and facilities including ice rinks, gyms, and dormitories. Datsyuk personally covers costs for participants from low-income families unable to afford travel or fees, aiming to foster skill development, enjoyment of the sport, and access to opportunities in underserved regions. By 2016, the program had expanded to multiple sites, adapting to participants' needs while promoting hockey as a positive outlet for young talents. Beyond structured philanthropy, Datsyuk's off-ice pursuits reflect his deep Russian Orthodox Christian faith, which has guided much of his . In March 2018, following Russia's Olympic win in Pyeongchang, he visited the of the Icon of the Mother of God “She Who Ripens the Grain” near Ekaterinburg to express gratitude, donating his 2014 to the monastery as a token of appreciation for divine support and prayers from figures like his , Fr. Sergei. Datsyuk has credited spiritual practices, including communal prayer, for his successes on the ice and views Russia's cultural revival as intertwined with renewed faith. He has also incorporated religious elements into his routine, such as placing Orthodox in his aircraft for safe travels. In February 2024, Datsyuk attended an event honoring members of the , which drew criticism from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, who condemned his subsequent induction into the , viewing it as support for Russia's actions in . Datsyuk maintains a low-key personal interest in chess, which he plays regularly to unwind and sharpen his —a skill that parallels his renowned on-ice and . Described as a way to relax amid his demanding career, this underscores his intellectual approach to both hockey and life off the rink.

Honors and retirement

Major career awards

Pavel Datsyuk's illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades that highlight his exceptional two-way play, sportsmanship, and contributions to both club and international hockey. In the NHL, he secured two Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002 and 2008, establishing himself as a key contributor to the team's success during their competitive era. His defensive prowess earned him the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010, a testament to his ability to excel on both ends of the ice while maintaining high offensive output. Additionally, Datsyuk won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with high playing ability four straight years from 2006 to 2009, a rare feat that underscored his clean play and skill. He was also selected to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2009 and participated in three NHL All-Star Games in 2004, 2008, and 2012. On the international stage, Datsyuk represented with distinction, contributing to multiple medal-winning efforts. He won an Olympic at the in PyeongChang, completing his entry into the as one of the few players to claim Olympic gold, a title, and Stanley Cups. With his 2017 victory, he also joined the Quadruple Gold Club. Earlier, he earned a at the 2002 Olympics and a silver at the 2014 Games. At the IIHF World Championships, Datsyuk captured a in 2012, a silver in 2010—where he was named the tournament's best forward and earned All-Star honors—and bronzes in 2005 and 2016. His international achievements also include the Kharlamov Trophy, awarded by Russian NHL peers as the best Russian player in the league, in 2011 and 2013. In the (KHL), Datsyuk added to his trophy case by winning the with in 2017, captaining the team to the championship. Earlier in his Russian career, he secured a title with in 2005. These honors, combined with his 2024 induction into the , cement Datsyuk's legacy as one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Hall of Fame induction and post-career honors

Pavel Datsyuk was inducted into the in the Player Category on November 11, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, as part of the Class of 2024 alongside , , , and . During his induction speech, Datsyuk reflected on his journey from , , to the NHL, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates for their support in his development as a player. The induction recognized his 14-season NHL career with the , where he won two Stanley Cups (2002, 2008), earned three Trophies as the league's top defensive forward, and amassed 918 points in 953 games. Following his induction, Datsyuk returned to on November 21, 2024, for a ceremonial honor at organized by the Red Wings, where fans and the organization celebrated his contributions to the franchise. As part of the event, Datsyuk signed a symbolic one-day contract with the Red Wings to formally retire as a member of the team, addressing his technical departure via trade to the in 2016 before joining the KHL. This gesture allowed him to conclude his professional career officially with the organization where he spent his entire NHL tenure. In June 2025, Datsyuk was inducted into the Russian Hockey Hall of Fame, honoring his impact on the sport in his home country, including his contributions to Russian national teams and KHL play after leaving the NHL in 2016. In his acceptance remarks, he thanked his parents, family, coaches, and teammates, crediting them as key influences in his career growth. Later in 2025, Datsyuk was selected for the NHL Network's All-Quarter-Century Team, a recognition of top players who debuted between 2000 and 2010, highlighting his elite two-way play and ranking him among peers like and Alex Ovechkin. This accolade underscored his legacy as one of the most skilled and versatile forwards of his era.

Retirement and one-day contract

Pavel Datsyuk announced his retirement from professional hockey on July 2, 2022, at the age of 43, concluding a career that spanned over two decades in both the NHL and KHL. He last played during the 2020–21 season for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in the Kontinental Hockey League, recording 12 goals and 23 assists in 51 regular-season games. This marked the end of his on-ice career, following an earlier departure from the NHL in 2016 to return to Russia amid geopolitical tensions and family considerations. On November 21, 2024, at a ceremonial event with the , Datsyuk signed a symbolic one-day contract, allowing him to formally retire as a member of the organization where he spent his entire 14-year NHL tenure. The gesture honored his legacy with the Red Wings, including two championships in 2002 and 2008, and ensured his career statistics would be officially recorded under the team. Datsyuk, who had been traded to the in 2016 as part of a cap-clearing move before leaving for the KHL, expressed that returning to felt like reuniting with family.

Career statistics

Club regular season and playoffs

Datsyuk began his professional club career in the Russian leagues, playing for teams such as Dynamo-Ekaterinburg in the Vysshaya Liga from to 2000, and then for in the from 2000 to 2001, where he established himself as a skilled , contributing to Ak Bars' regular season title in 2000-01, though they lost the finals. He also played during the 2004-05 for in the Superleague. In these early seasons, he accumulated 78 points in 146 regular season games, demonstrating offensive prowess with 30 goals and 48 assists, while contributing 9 points in 14 playoff games. His transition to the NHL with the in 2001 marked a significant escalation in competition level, where he played 953 regular season games over 14 seasons, tallying 918 points (314 goals and 604 assists) with a plus-minus of +249, underscoring his elite two-way impact. In the NHL regular season, Datsyuk's production peaked during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 campaigns, when he recorded 97 and 97 points respectively, earning him consecutive awards as the league's top defensive forward. He maintained a points-per-game average of 0.96 across his NHL tenure, with notable consistency evidenced by nine 70-plus point seasons. Returning to in 2016, Datsyuk joined in the (KHL), where he played through the 2018-19 season before moving to from 2019 to 2021, amassing 204 points (60 goals and 144 assists) in 260 regular season games with 52 penalty minutes, reflecting his continued effectiveness in a shorter career phase there. His final season was 2020-21 with Avtomobilist, yielding 35 points in 51 games, before he sat out 2021-22 and announced his retirement.
LeagueGPGAPtsPIM
Russian leagues Regular Season14630487838
NHL Regular Season953314604918232
KHL Regular Season2606014420452
Career Regular Season Total1,3594047961,200322
Datsyuk's playoff performances further highlighted his clutch ability, particularly in the NHL, where he appeared in 157 games and recorded 113 points (42 goals and 71 assists), contributing to two championships in 2002 and 2008. In the 2002 playoffs, his rookie postseason, he tallied 13 points in 21 games, aiding Detroit's title run. Across Russian leagues, he logged 9 points in 14 Superleague playoff games. In the KHL, Datsyuk added 29 points in 43 playoff games with SKA, including a win in 2017, where he contributed 10 points in 15 games. His overall club playoff record emphasized defensive reliability, with a plus-minus of +34 in the NHL postseason alone.
LeagueGPGAPtsPIM
Russian leagues Playoffs146396
NHL Playoffs157427111355
KHL Playoffs4311182933
Career Playoffs Total214599215194

International tournaments

Pavel Datsyuk represented at the highest levels of international , competing in five Winter Olympics and seven IIHF s over an 18-year span from 2001 to 2018. As a versatile two-way center renowned for his defensive prowess and playmaking, he often served as a leader on the national team, captaining at the 2014 and 2018 Olympics as well as the 2016 and 2018 s. His contributions helped secure multiple medals, including Olympic gold in 2018, which completed his entry into the alongside his 2012 title and two NHL Stanley Cups. Datsyuk's international totals include 92 , 22 goals, 58 assists, and 80 points, with a rating of +53 across all major senior tournaments.

Olympics

Datsyuk made his Olympic debut at the 2002 Games, where he tallied 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 games to help earn bronze, finishing with a +4 rating. He returned for the 2006 Olympics, contributing 1 goal and 7 assists in 8 games en route to another bronze medal, leading the in assists among Russian players. In 2010 at , an injury limited him to 4 games (1 goal, 2 assists), as placed fourth after a quarterfinal loss to . Serving as captain at the 2014 Olympics on home ice, Datsyuk recorded 2 goals and 4 assists in 5 games, but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by , finishing sixth. His most celebrated Olympic performance came in 2018 at PyeongChang, where, captaining the Olympic Athletes from (OAR) at age 39, he posted 6 assists in 6 games with an +8 rating, anchoring the defense during the gold-medal overtime victory over ; this made him the oldest male hockey player to win Olympic gold.

IIHF World Championships

Datsyuk's career began in 2001 in /, where he notched 4 assists in 7 games, though finished fifth. In 2003 at /Göteborg, he added 1 goal and 4 assists in 7 games, but the team placed sixth. A breakout came in 2005 at /, with 3 goals and 4 assists in 9 games (+8 rating), earning in a tournament shortened by the . At the 2010 event in /, Datsyuk exploded offensively with 6 goals and 1 assist in just 6 games, earning all-tournament first team honors as the top forward and leading to silver after a final loss to the . He captained to gold at the 2012 / tournament, recording 3 goals and 4 assists in 10 games (+7) during a dominant playoff run that included a 6-2 final win over . In 2016 at /St. Petersburg, as captain, Datsyuk led all players in percentage (64.02%) while contributing 1 goal and 10 assists in 10 games (+6), securing with a 3-1 semifinal win over the before a final loss to . His final appearance in 2018 at / saw him captain again, posting 2 goals and 8 assists in 8 games (+6), though finished fifth after quarterfinal elimination by .

Other International Competitions

Datsyuk competed for at the in 2004, scoring 1 goal in 4 games as the team finished fourth after a semifinal loss to . He returned as an assistant in 2016, recording 2 assists in 2 games as was eliminated following the group stage. These appearances underscored his enduring value to the national team into his late 30s.
TournamentYearTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-Notes
Olympics200261230+4BronzeDebut
Olympics2006817810+5Bronze-
Olympics201041232+2-Injury-shortened
Olympics2014 (C)52460+3-
Olympics2018OAR (C)60660+8Oldest Olympic gold winner
200170440+4--
200371450+2--
200593470+8Bronze-
201066170+6SilverBest forward
2012103472+7-
2016 (C)10110110+6BronzeBest faceoff % (64.02%)
2018 (C)828102+6-
2004410100--
2016 (A)20220+1-Assistant

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players-285951634
  2. https://www.nhl.com/player/pavel-datsyuk-8467514
  3. https://www.nhl.com/news/hockey-hall-of-fame-announces-2024-class
  4. https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-frank-j-selke-trophy-winners-complete-list-287904026
  5. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/pavel-datsyuk
  6. https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/pavel-datsyuk-elected-to-hockey-hall-of-fame-class-of-2024
  7. https://www.hhof.com/induction/induction2024/about_datsyuk.html
  8. https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/pavel-datsyuk-signs-one-day-contract-to-retire-with-red-wings/
  9. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/mitch-albom/2016/04/10/albom-wings-datsyuk-column/82835594/
  10. https://vault.si.com/vault/2011/05/02/disgusting-but-in-a-good-way
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3685846/2022/12/16/nhl99-pavel-datsyuk/
  12. https://en.khl.ru/news/2024/07/30/533088.html
  13. https://doi.org/10.1123/cssep.2021-0022
  14. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8615/pavel-datsyuk
  15. https://en.khl.ru/news/2020/09/30/473712.html
  16. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/puck-daddy-chats-red-wings-pavel-datsyuk-nhl-152127707.html
  17. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=49097
  18. https://www.rbth.com/articles/2012/11/11/pavel_datsyuk_detroit_red_wings_19811.html
  19. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/19177827/pavel-datsyuk-adds-khl-title-stanley-cup-victories
  20. https://en.khl.ru/news/2019/06/05/453326.html
  21. https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2019/06/05/pavel-datsyuk-signs-deal-to-remain-in-khl/
  22. https://www.eurohockey.com/player/2258-pavel-datsyuk.html
  23. https://en.khl.ru/news/2020/11/21/476156.html
  24. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/07/10/ex-red-wing-pavel-datsyuk-signs-one-year-deal-khl-team/5413091002/
  25. https://www.facebook.com/KHL.en/posts/42-year-old-pavel-datsyuk-tops-avtomobilist-with-8-pts-in-7-gp-and-a-plus-10-rat/4629595477065690/
  26. https://www.quanthockey.com/hockey-stats/en/profile.php?player=1308
  27. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/datsyuk-named-russian-captain-for-olympics/
  28. https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1060883/datsyuk-to-captain-olympic-athletes-from-russia-mens-ice-hockey-team-at-pyeongchang-2018
  29. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/salt-lake-city-2002/results/ice-hockey
  30. https://www.quanthockey.com/olympics/en/teams/team-russia-players-2002-olympics-stats.html
  31. https://www.quanthockey.com/olympics/en/teams/team-russia-players-2006-olympics-stats.html
  32. https://www.quanthockey.com/olympics/en/teams/team-russia-players-2010-olympics-stats.html
  33. https://www.latimes.com/la-sp-on-sochi-olympics-pavel-datsyuk-20140211-story.html
  34. https://www.quanthockey.com/olympics/en/teams/team-russia-players-2014-olympics-stats.html
  35. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/men-s-ice-hockey-rejuvenated-radulov-fires-russia-into-last-eight-as-debutants-s
  36. https://www.mlive.com/snapshots/2010/05/detroit_red_wings_links_pavel_1.html
  37. https://www.iihf.com/en/medalists
  38. https://thehockeywriters.com/red-wings-pavel-datsyuk-magic-man/
  39. https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/heres-what-made-pavel-datsyuk-so-great-for-the-red-wings/
  40. https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-led-detroit-red-wings-on-magic-ride-on-road-to-hall-of-fame
  41. https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-players-share-memories-of-pavel-datsyuk-prior-to-hall-induction
  42. https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/datsyuk-kovalchuk-hoist-khl-s-gagarin-cup-1.726111
  43. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/pavel-datsyuk.html
  44. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/2.7212/pavel-datsyuk-goodbye-1.3546765
  45. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2019/06/04/detroit-red-wings-pavel-datsyuk/1339720001/
  46. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/02/13/pavel-datsyuk-jr/97849146/
  47. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2024/11/pavel-datsyuk-took-gms-advice-to-heart-on-way-to-hall-of-fame.html
  48. https://themalikreport.com/2025/01/22/duff-datsyuk-extends-contract-with-avtomobilist-yekaterinburg/
  49. https://detroithockeynow.com/2025/08/31/red-wings-magic-mans-team-wins-his-farewell-match-datsyuk/
  50. https://www.freep.com/story/money/real-estate/michigan-house-envy/2019/12/07/pavel-datsyuks-house-bloomfield-township-for-sale/2586230001/
  51. https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/local/2020/06/18/pavel-datsyuks-agent-says-former-red-wings-star-is-at-family-cottage-the-end/
  52. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/red-wings-center-pavel-datsyuks-donation-helps-sandcastles-childrens-grief-program/
  53. https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-boylen-point-datsyuk-provides-unique-camp-for-kids-in-russia
  54. https://orthochristian.com/111272.html
  55. https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/pavel-datsyuks-hockey-hall-of-fame-induction-condemned-by-ukrainian-canadian-congress
  56. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/102281
  57. https://www.nhl.com/video/pavel-datsyuk-s-hall-of-fame-induction-speech-6364573174112
  58. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2024/11/21/pavel-datsyuk-detroit-red-wings-ken-holland-advice-hockey-hall-of-fame/76480078007/
  59. https://detroithockeynow.com/2024/11/21/datsyuk-rejoins-red-wings-sort-of/
  60. https://detroithockeynow.com/2025/06/07/another-hall-of-fame-honor-for-red-wings-magic-man-datsyuk/
  61. https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-quarter-century-team-players-who-debuted-between-2000-10
  62. https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/pavel-datsyuk-retirement
  63. https://detroithockeynow.com/2022/07/01/red-wings-magic-man-datsyuk-calling-it-quits/
  64. https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2022/07/pavel-datsyuk-plans-to-retire-from-hockey.html
  65. https://www.quanthockey.com/khl/teams/avtomobilist-yekaterinburg-players-2020-21-khl-stats.html
  66. https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/news-feed-page/hall-famer-pavel-datsyuk-signs-one-day-contract-retire-detroit-red-wings
  67. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/red-wings-legend-pavel-datsyuk-honored/
  68. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/datsypa01.html
  69. https://en.khl.ru/players/4698/
  70. https://en.fhr.ru/news/item/114838/
  71. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/pavel-datsyuk
  72. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/winter-olympics-2018/2018/02/25/olympic-athletes-russia-beat-germany-overtime-olympic-hockey-gold-medal-game/371013002/
  73. https://en.fhr.ru/players/372/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.