Breathe easy Red Wings fans, superstar centre Pavel Datsyuk has agreed to terms on a contract extension with the club. Datsyuk had one year remaining on his current deal at a $6.7 million dollar cap hit. The new deal is for $22.5 million, for a cap hit of 7.5 million per season. There were rumors that he would leave Detroit to play in the KHL following the expiration of his current deal, but today’s news should put all of those rumors to rest.
Datsyuk made the announcement on his twitter account saying:
“Signed 3 yr. extension. Detroit, glad to be here for 4 more yrs.Thanks to our fans, friends and Ilitch family @DetroitRedWings @danmilstein“
The 34-year-old pivot has spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings. This season he put up 15 goals and 49 points in 47 games. In his career Datsyuk has 255 goals and 767 points. However Datsyuk is more than just an offensive force. He is also known as one of the best two way players in the game, winning the Selke Trophy three times in his NHL career. He has also been a major part of two Stanley Cup winning teams in Detroit, in 2002 and in 2008.
Since the deal will not take effect until July 1st, 2014, it will be considered a 35+ contract under the terms of the CBA. This means that even if Datsyuk is to retire, the Wings will be stuck with the cap hit on his new deal.
Detroit now has its core including, Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, and Jimmy Howard, all locked up through the 2016-17 season.
Datsyuk and the Red Wings finished 7th in the Western Conference this season. They beat the Anaheim Ducks in the first round, but lost in 7 games to the Chicago Blackhawks in round 2. The Wings will be moving to the Eastern Conference under the NHL’s realignment for next season.
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