Pavel Datsyuk did not confirm Saturday’s Hockey Night In Canada report that he would be leaving the Detroit Red Wings at season’s end to return to his native Russia and play in the KHL.
Datsyuk also did little to allay the fears of Red Wings fans that fear that there is substance to the report.
Datsyuk engaged in more wordplay than facts as he spoke about the speculation for the first time.
“What you say about Russia?… Datsyuk asked reporters. “Are you coming Russia? I’m not come to Russia yet.
“I have one more year on contract (with the Red Wings), we have three games left in season. That is more focus for me now.…
Battling for an Eastern Conference playoff spot, the Wings face the two teams they are closest to in that race in their next two games, playing host to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday before travelling to Boston to face the Bruins on Sunday.
“Of course I need more time, but now it’s very important next two games, Philadelphia and Boston,… Datsyuk said. “I don’t want to think about anything but those next two games.
“These are most important for me right now.…
Datsyuk, who will celebrate his 38th birthday in July, did acknowledge what has been known for years, that he would like to finish out his playing days in his homeland.
“It’s from my beginning of career, I don’t have enough years and time with Russian fans,… Datsyuk said. “They help me, growing up. Of course I want to give back to them.…
He was less forthcoming when queried as to whether he was even considering a return to Russia next season.
“It’s hard to say,… Datsyuk said. “I never know what’s happening in an hour.
“I’m not looking at next year.…
The one point upon which Datsyuk was deadly serious was when he was asked about if his family was impacting decisions regarding his hockey future.
“Family is my family,… Datsyuk said. “I just want to be quiet with my family. I don’t want to share information about my family with anybody.…
Good Luck Tony As someone who came to the pros from a gig coaching in the NCAA, Detroit coach Jeff Blashill is certain that Wings assistant coach Tony Granato will find his newly accepted position as coach of the Wisconsin Badgers to be a rewarding experience.
“I’m ecstatic for him,… Blashill said. “I think certainly I’ll miss him here but I’m ecstatic for him to have the opportunity. I think he’s going to do a phenomenal job, and I also think he’s going to love it.
“He has an impact on people, everyone he’s met, he has an unbelievable impact on them and now he gets to have a chance impact on young guys, 18 to 24 years old. He’ll have lasting impressions on them and lasting friendships from it, and it will be, I think, something he’ll really enjoy and succeed at.…
Not Cheli Granato will finish out the season with Detroit but then the Wings will need to hire his replacement. There will be plenty of candidates but one of them won’t be Chris Chelios.
“Right now, zero,… Chelios said of the odds that he’d accept the position were it offered. He currently works as an assistant coach, but Chelios is utilized as an eye in the sky situated in the press box during games and also in player development. He isn’t required to be at every Red Wings game and practice. “I’m fortunate enough that Blash and Tony and those guys allow me the flexibility to go see my parents, my family,… Chelios said. “They’re old. That’s the only issue.
“If it wasn’t for my parents’ (health) I’d love to take on a full-time job. But at this point they’re not doing well and the more I’m around the more it helps them.…
Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer