Datsyuk leaving Red Wings to play in Russia

It's the end of an era in The Motor City.

Pavel Datsyuk will forgo the final year of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings to play in Russia, the veteran forward announced Saturday.

"My family and I have decided that it's time to return home," Datsyuk told reporters.

The 37-year-old confirmed he'll play in the KHL next season, according to NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika. His agent, Dan Milstein, said Datsyuk hadn't yet seen the offers from his homeland but will review them Tuesday night.

The legendary center didn't tip his hand Saturday.

"All of Russia is beautiful," he told Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press when asked if he's headed to SKA St. Petersburg.

Datsyuk said he struggled with the decision for a long time.

"It's difficult," he said. "I (fought) with my mind already (for) a few years. Finally (the) decision (came) during vacation with family."

Milstein said he expects the final year of Datsyuk's contract - which carries a cap hit of $7.5 million - to be traded.

Datsyuk met with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland on Friday evening and made the announcement Saturday afternoon at his hockey camp in suburban Detroit.

He had insisted he wouldn't make a decision until discussing his future with the Red Wings, with whom he played all 14 of his NHL seasons.

Known as much for his offensive wizardry as he was for his defensive prowess, Datsyuk had one of the most decorated NHL careers by a Russian-born skater.

He was a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a four-time All-Star, a four-time Lady Byng Trophy winner, a three-time Selke Trophy recipient, and was nominated for the Hart Trophy in 2009.

Datsyuk represented Russia in four Olympic Games, serving as team captain in 2014, and won gold at the 2012 World Championship.

He racked up 918 points in 953 career NHL regular-season games and added another 113 points in 157 playoff contests.