Datsyuk's agent refutes report of KHL deal

Pavel Datsyuk's agent says his client hasn't agreed to play for SKA St. Petersburg.

Russian publication Sportfakt reported Friday that the 37-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward agreed to a two-year pre-agreement with the KHL club, which would likely be finalized after the ongoing World Championship.

Dan Milstein, Datsyuk's representative, told Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News that the report is inaccurate, and Datsyuk hasn't spoken to any other teams or members of the media.

"I know for a fact that Pavel has not discussed a contract while playing for the national team in Russia," Milstein later told M-Live's Ansar Khan. "I spoke with him to confirm this again. For a fact we don't have a contract with anybody (else) right now."

Milstein expects Datsyuk and the Red Wings to discuss his future in mid-June, after he returns from the tournament.

"He's coming back to the U.S. (in the) first or second week of June (between the 5th and 16th)," Milstein said. "We plan on meeting with (general manager) Ken Holland, not later than the 16th because Pavel will be in town for his camp from the 17th to the 21st."

The veteran center said last month that he was considering a move back to Russia at season's end, but needed more time to make a decision.

He has one year left on his NHL contract at a cap hit of $7.5 million, a figure the Red Wings would still be responsible for because that deal was signed after he turned 35.