Datsyuk to head back to Russia after playoffs

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

In an article published by the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, Pavel Datsyuk said that after the current NHL season, he will head home to Russia.

"I'm thinking I go home after this season," Datsyuk said. "I may not be done with hockey, but -- it is hard to say -- I think I am done playing in NHL."

"It's not an easy decision," he said. "It did not happen yesterday. I talk with my daughter all the time. I see how she misses me, how she misses my advice. … I want to come back and be closer."

Datsyuk said he wanted to make the announcement now to avoid distractions during the playoffs.

"I feel very bad about it. Looking back, I wish I had done a year-by-year contract, not a three-year contract. I stayed [last year] in respect for [owners Mike and Marian Ilitch]. I don't want to leave team in disaster. But if I have to do over again I would sign a different deal. I didn't realize it at the time."