Datsyuk's contract was dealt to Arizona on Friday along with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Joe Vitale and the 20th and 53rd picks in the 2016 draft.

EDGE Analysis

Just days after Red Wings general manager Ken Holland stated that he didn't believe he would be able to find a taker for Datsyuk's contract, he found one in 27-year-old Coyotes rookie GM John Chayka. Arizona needed to reach the salary cap floor of $54 million for next season so they were easily able to absorb all of Datsyuk's contract. This allows the Wings to make a run at pending unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos when he hits the market on July 1.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has been talking to other teams about possibly acquiring Datsyuk's contract, but there isn't believed to be much interest, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

On Saturday, Datsyuk made the official announcement that he will not be returning to the Red Wings next season, corroborating rumors that he will head back to his native Russia. This leaves Detroit with a $7.5 million cap hit for 2016-17, which could be of interest to a team that needs to reach the salary cap floor of $52.8 million before next season. According to Datsyuk's agent Dan Milstein, the star center declined a $2 million signing bonus due this past February, saving the team money but not affecting the salary cap in any way.

On Saturday, Datsyuk officially announced that he will leave the Red Wings and return to Russia, Ansar Khan of Mlive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Just days before the Red Wings knew they'd make it to the playoffs for the 25th consecutive season, rumors -- now substantiated -- swirled that Datsyuk would bypass the final year of his contract and return to his native Russia to be with family. That may have been a distraction as The Magic Man was held pointless against the Lightning in the conference quarterfinals, an eventual series loss. Nonetheless, there's so much in the way of positives concerning Datsyuk and his career contributions to the Wings. Not only is he a two-time Stanley Cup champion and four-time All-Star, but Datsyuk is one of the craftiest two-way players the game has ever seen, having claimed the Selke trophy three times to complement several hardware pieces. He leaves behind a $7.5 million cap hit for 2016-17, though his agent reportedly thinks it can be traded.

Datsyuk is expected to address the media Saturday, likely confirming that he will not return to the Red Wings next season, TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Datsyuk was given a deadline of mid-June to decide on his future, and here we are. While the needle currently is pointing toward The Magic Man leaving for Russia, there are plenty of questions that need to be addressed: will he play in the KHL, or maybe retire from hockey altogether? Fans of the two-time Stanley Cup champion might also be wondering if any teams would be willing to take on the final year of his contract, which comes with a $7.5 million cap hit in 2016-17. At this point, one can only speculate what will come of Datsyuk, but it should all unfold in Saturday's address.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has given Datsyuk a deadline of mid-June to decide whether or not he'll return next season, The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

With eight points in seven games, Datsyuk is currently thriving in the IIHF World Championship, a competition held in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. As noted in the report, if he decides to stay in his native country, the Red Wings would be on the hook for the $7 million that remains on his three-year contract, provided Holland doesn't work out a trade.

Datsyuk registered a goal and an assist Wednesday, helping Russia to a 4-1 win over Sweden at the World Championship.

EDGE Analysis

Datsyuk has been on a roll in international play, providing his native country with a goal and seven helpers in as many games. His recent surge contributed to Russia tying the Czech Republic for the best record in the preliminary round. Numerous reports have indicated that Datsyuk may not return with the Red Wings next season, effectively leaving the final year of his $22.5 million contract on the books. It's worth noting that Datsyuk fizzled offensively in the NHL playoffs, having been held off the scoresheet entirely in the quarterfinals against the Lightning. Consider keeping a close eye on "The Magic Man", as a return to Russia would have significant implications for how the Red Wings approach the 2016-17 campaign.

Datsyuk was held without a point as the Lightning defeated the Wings through five games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It's been widely reported that Datsyuk, who has one year remaining on a $22.5 million contract, is contemplating a return to his native Russia with the Wings' season is in the books. The Magic Man's disappearing act in the playoffs would represent an anti-climactic ending to an illustrious NHL career if he does, in fact, hang it up. Datsyuk is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having brought Lord Stanley to Detroit in 2002 and 2008, plus he's earned the Lady Byng Memorial trophy four times and claimed the Selke hardware three consecutive seasons from 2008-10, on top of several more accolades. There's no denying the positive impact that Datsyuk has made on the game. One would think Wings general manager Ken Holland will give him plenty of time to make up his mind.

Datsyuk finished with a plus-1 rating, but was held off the scoresheet despite firing a team-high seven shots on goal in Wednesday's 3-2 playoff loss to the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Datsyuk has always taken his game to new heights in the playoffs, and the 37-year-old forward seems to be doing so once again despite his advanced age. Datsyuk's line with Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader was by far Detroit's most effective unit in this game and should continue seeing plenty of ice time as the Red Wings look to upset Tampa Bay.

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."

Datsyuk may return to Russia after this season and play there to finish his career, reports CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.

EDGE Analysis

It will be for family reasons, states the report, leaving Datsyuk's $7.5 million salary on the Wings' books because he signed the deal after age 35. Datsyuk will sit down with the Wings' brass after the season to discuss. Keeper leaguers need to keep an eye on this situation. He's still producing at a high level, but he is 38.