Datsyuk indicated that is leaning toward leaving the Red Wings to return home to Russia following the current NHL season, Mlive.com reports. "I'm thinking I go home after this season," Datsyuk noted. "I may not be done with hockey, but - it is hard to say - I think I am done playing in NHL."

EDGE Analysis

Datsyuk, who turns 38 on July 20, is coming off a season in which he recorded 16 goals and 49 points in 66 games for the Red Wings. The veteran forward has one year left on his contract with the team at a rate $7.5 million, a cap figure that the Red Wings would be responsible for if Datsyuk does move on from the NHL. In such a scenario, however, his NHL rights could be traded to another team looking to comply with the league's salary cap floor. All that said, Datsyuk's agent Dan Milstein relayed that there are plans for the forward to talk with the Red Wings after the season and a potential change in heart can't be ruled out. "He's going to have a meeting with [Red Wings GM Ken] Holland and [owners] Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch at the conclusion of the season," Milstein noted, while adding "it's not over until it's over. This chapter is not closed right now."