Red Wings' Datsyuk will wait to decide on future
Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk may have played his final NHL game Thursday.
The Red Wings dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision in Game 5 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, spelling their exit from the postseason. With the Red Wings season concluded, eyes turn to Datsyuk, who's suggested he may be heading to Russia to play next season.
However, minutes after partaking in the ceremonial handshake with the Lightning, Datsyuk suggested he's going to take some time before he makes a final decision.
"I still can't believe we lost" - Pavel Datsyuk. Said needs to cool down before decide future pic.twitter.com/Rc1Q0nlKSl
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) April 22, 2016
Earlier this month, it was reported Datsyuk would leave for Russia after the postseason, but since the reports surfaced, the 37-year-old has remained adamant he's not made a final decision regarding his future.
Datsyuk is still under contract with the Red Wings for the 2016-17 season with a cap hit of $7.5 million.
If Datsyuk has indeed played his final game, he will finish his career sixth on the franchise's all-time scoring list.