By George B. Eichorn
The Hall called first and then the Red Wings. Retired center Pavel Datsyuk is now a Hockey Hall of Fame member and was honored by his club in pregame ceremonies.
Datsyuk joins a long list of Hall of Fame players, coaches and executives whom he played with or for as a Red Wing: Steve Yzerman, Chris Chelios, Sergei Fedorov, Dominik Hasek, Marian Hossa, Brett Hull, Nicklas Lidstrom, Mike Modano, Luc Robitaille, Brendan Shanahan, owner Mike Ilitch, Sr. V-P Jim Devellano, GM Ken Holland and coach Scotty Bowman. What a group, huh?
Datsyuk called his years with Detroit “awesome. I had a good 14 years, a good memory.” He won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy and the Frank J. Selke Trophy multiple times. He played on Red Wings Stanley Cup championship teams in 2002 and 2008. He won an Olympic gold medal in 2008 in South Korea and a World Championship gold medal in 2012 in Finland.
Datsyuk was flashy and magical with the puck. His ability to pass, check, score and find multiple ways to fool the opposition was breath-taking and definitely highlight reels as the old saying goes. Because of Pavel’s limited English he let his stellar moves and goal scoring do the talking at Joe Louis Arena, the former home of the Red Wings.
Former opponent and fellow 2024 HOF inductee Jeremy Roenick had this to say about Pavel:
“Playing against Pavel Datsyuk was probably one of the most frustrating things for any player, not many people have the brains, the talent, the creativity of a Pavel Datsyuk. You look like you can catch him, and the next thing you know, you’re embarrassed watching him go right past you.”
Before their November 22 home game against the New York Islanders the Red Wings announced that Datsyuk signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a Red Wing. There was a video tribute on the Jumbotron and a ceremonial puck drop at center ice.
Now, a jersey retirement ceremony at LCA is in order for Pavel and Fedorov as well.
Datsyuk, 46, serves as developmental coach with his old team in Yekaterinburg, Russia, instructing 16- to 20-year old aspiring players. It’s a job that must be a labor of love for the former Red Wing. While most fans would have preferred he stay with the Red Wings as a coach or scout, Pavel is young enough to explore many options following his stellar career.
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com or @Sandgsports99 on X (formerly Twitter). Order his book:
Detroit’s Sports Broadcasters: On the Air: Eichorn, George B, Introduction Harwell, Ernie.
