Red Wings' Datsyuk to begin skating in 2 weeks

Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk will be able to resume skating in early October and is expected to return to action the following month, barring a setback in his recovery from ankle surgery, general manager Ken Holland told reporters before the team's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.

The 37-year-old had surgery in July, telling a Russian publication shortly after he expected to miss the start of the season and was given a four-to-five month timetable.

Holland said in August that Datsyuk was on schedule in his recovery.

Datsyuk collected 26 goals and 65 points in 63 regular-season games last season, adding three goals and five points in seven playoff contests.

He has spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Red Wings, who made him a sixth-round pick in 1998.