Though there had been some speculation that Pavel Datsyuk could potentially return to North America next season, since his contract with SKA St. Petersburg was ending, agent Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey ended any rumors today. Milstein announced that Datsyuk had signed a one-year extension with SKA to remain in the KHL, and is preparing for the World Championships.
Not only will Datsyuk not be returning to the NHL, but he also is off the market for a return to his hometown club in Russia. Instead, he’ll remain with the powerhouse St. Petersburg team for another year, and try to win another Gagarin Cup.
The legendary Detroit Red Wings forward added an Olympic gold medal to his trophy case this year, putting him into the exclusive “Triple Gold” club with Stanley Cup and World Championship victories. Add in a Gagarin Cup as KHL champion and an RSL Championship before coming to North America in the first place, and Dastyuk has basically won everything he could ever dream of. The four-time Lady Byng and three-time Selke winner left the NHL in 2016 with 918 points in 953 games, citing a need to be closer to his growing family.