Datsyuk Not Interested in Red Wings Role

Former Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk is still trying to wrap his head around the idea that he’s a Hockey Hall of Famer.

“I’m still recognizing I’m there and it’s hard to believe,” Datsyuk said. “Of course, I feel like I’m a lucky boy.”

I could watch old Pavel Datsyuk highlights all day long. What an incredible player. The laugh in the first clip is very fitting because this entire reel is hilarious pic.twitter.com/I7RGIH7yeM

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) May 12, 2020

His partner in crime all those years ago in Detroit, Henrik Zetterberg, remains on the outside looking in when it comes to the hockey shrine, and that saddens Datsyuk.

“Of course, we talked slightly,” Datsyuk said. “I would love to see him (get inducted), too.”

Along with being the engines that drove the Red Wings for many years, Datsyuk and Zetterberg share another common trait. Neither is the least bit interested in joining the cache of Detroit legends currently working in the club’s hockey operations department.

Zetterberg has previously been heard expressing his lack of desire for such a role, and Datsyuk is in lock step when it comes to this notion.

Former Red Wings Star Happy To Be Home

“I know how hard it is to be coach or development coach,” Datsyuk said. “You need lots of patience.”

He fills this role in Russia with his hometown club Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg of the KHL. Datsyuk helps the club’s future find their footing as a development coach. He was doing the same thing for the Red Wings at the club’s recent development camp at Little Caesars Arena.

A sight to see 🥲 Pavel Datsyuk is out on the ice with the Wings for development camp in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/9fyo1gUO1z

— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) July 2, 2024

However, Datsyuk was quick to emphasize that he was merely a guest instructor. And he plans to keep it that way.

“I miss Detroit but now I have job, I’m hockey player development back at home,” Datsyuk said. “I wanted to see how this goes, wanted more experience and more study from one of the best teams.”

He’s not at all interested in following in the footsteps of old teammates like Nicklas Lidstrom, Dan Cleary, Niklas Kronwall, Kirk Maltby, Jiri Fischer and Kris Draper and joining GM Steve Yzerman’s staff.

“Of course, I’m happy to see many people who work there when I left,” Datsyuk said. “They still work and are in good shape. I’m happy to see them.

“I have good memories. I hope they do, too.”

For Datsyuk, though, home is where his heart remains.

“I want to stay with my family, spend more time at home,” he explained. “I spend lots of time on the road. Now I try to be at home.”