Datsyuk says creativity is fading in NHL

When Pavel Datsyuk opted to leave the Detroit Red Wings for the KHL in the offseason, the NHL lost arguably the most creative player to ever lace them up.

Aptly nicknamed the "Magic Man," Datsyuk repeatedly terrorized goaltenders and defenders over his 15 NHL seasons with a number of stunning plays that left both players and fans in awe.

Simply unfair.

While his body of work in the NHL will surely one day land him in the Hall of Fame, Datsyuk believes the league he consistently wowed with his otherworldly talent is becoming less skill-driven.

"There are not many creative players now," Datsyuk told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It's less and less every year. There's lots of talent, but teams are playing more systems."

"Hockey is so different now," he added. "With the new rules in the NHL, you have to be good defensively. And if you play fast, you have more time to work offensively."

Datsyuk, as one would expect, is off to a great start in his latest KHL stint, recording seven points in six games for St. Petersburg SKA.

NHL fans can catch one more glimpse of the Magic Man this month, as he suits up for Team Russia at the World Cup.