Datsyuk said Thursday that he was feeling "awesome" while working his way back from ankle surgery, Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Datsyuk is scheduled to meet with a doctor soon to get an update on his condition, which could come with a projected timetable for his return. The Red Wings are already ruling out the star center for the start of the 2015-16 campaign, but if doctors are able to further legitimize Datsyuk's own positive outlook, it's possible that he may only have to miss a handful of regular-season contests.