DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk is expected to retire from the NHL after the playoffs.
Dan Milstein, his agent, confirmed Datsyuk’s plans Sunday.
Milstein says Datsyuk wants to return to Russia to reunite with his teenage daughter and to play in the Kontinental Hockey League for at least one season. Milstein says Datsyuk’s plans will not be final until after the postseason when he meets with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland along with owners Mike and Marian Ilitch.
The 37-year-old Datsyuk has one season left on his three-year, $22.5 million contract. He will count $7.5 million against Detroit’s salary cap next season even if he leaves.
Datsyuk discussed his plans for the first time in an interview with the Detroit Free Press published Sunday.
