There had been rumors circulating for a week or so, but Pavel Datsyuk finally broke his silence and announced that this was going to be his last year in the NHL. In an interview with Mitch Albom at the Free Press, Datsyuk explains that he wants to return to his home country of Russia to help raise his teenage daughter who lived with his first wife.
The 38 year old didn't say that he is finished with hockey all together - he will probably play in the next Olympics for Russia - but being in Detroit and playing for the NHL has been too much for the athlete.
This announcement was greeted by mixed emotions from fans. Some were very sad and disappointed that the hockey star was leaving so suddenly, and others sent out support.
Calvin Johnson and Pavel Datsyuk both retiring in the same year makes me so sad.
— JR (@Joshua_Macks) April 11, 2016
I personally think Pavel Datsyuk should finish what he agreed to. Maybe we'll see him step it up a notch in the Playoffs? #RedWings
— $hañ€ (@shuggashanee_) April 11, 2016
People r seriously upset that @Datsyuk13 wants to move home to russia to be a good father and have more time.with his daughter??Really ppl?
— Michelle F (@michysmichy) April 11, 2016
It is already a bad Monday because @Datsyuk13 announced he might retire at the end of this season. I didn't get nearly enough notice 😭
— Shannon Silvia (@ShannSilv19) April 11, 2016
Datsyuk technically has one more year left on his contract, so not all hope is lost. Once the postseason begins, he will be in talks about negotiating his contract. Whatever the outcome may be, we just hope that this Detroit legend finds some solitude and happiness somewhere.
