Pavel Datsyuk Honored for Hall of Fame Induction, Reflects on Career with Red Wings

Detroit—Pavel Datsyuk’s journey with the Detroit Red Wings evokes powerful memories of his early days with the team. Before Thursday night’s game against the New York Islanders, Datsyuk was honored at Little Caesars Arena following his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Datsyuk shared a poignant recollection from his initial visit to Joe Louis Arena, a moment that underscores his remarkable rise in hockey.

Datsyuk recounted a specific memory from a development camp in Troy. «First good memory, after a development camp in Troy,» Datsyuk said. «Ken Holland (then the Wings’ general manager) brought me and Yuri Butsayev to Joe Louis Arena. It was empty and no ice. We were standing on the second floor almost (upper bowl) and the arena was so big. He (Holland) said if you practice hard you can maybe play one day here.» Reflecting on the moment, he added, «This is what I remember. My season tickets were under where we were standing.»

Datsyuk’s induction into the Hall of Fame places him alongside fellow honorees like Colin Campbell, David Poile, Natalie Darwitz, Jeremy Roenick, Shea Weber, and Krissy Wendell-Pohl, marking a significant milestone from his humble beginnings as a sixth-round draft pick in 1998. «The first year (2002 Stanley Cup team) we had an unbelievable team and I learned from them every day,» Datsyuk said, acknowledging the support from his teammates in shaping his career.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion with both the Wings and an Olympic and World Championship gold medalist with Russia, Datsyuk was selected in the sixth round of the 1998 NHL Draft, 171st overall. His tenure with the Red Wings stretched until the 2015-16 season, during which he amassed 918 points across 953 games. Datsyuk was known for his exceptional skills, which were prominently displayed on a line with veteran Brett Hull, a 2009 Hall of Fame inductee.

Datsyuk’s profound impact on the ice has translated into his role as a developmental coach, guiding young players in his hometown of Yekaterinburg, Russia. He shares with them the importance of appreciating every moment, saying, «Enjoy every moment, you never know what will happen.»

Although he never played in the newer Little Caesars Arena, Datsyuk cherishes his years at Joe Louis Arena, fondly recalling its «great atmosphere and a loud arena.» As for his last season, it coincided with the rookie year of current Wings captain Dylan Larkin, whom Datsyuk praises for his growth and leadership.

The Hall of Fame weekend provided Datsyuk with memorable experiences, allowing him to reminisce and enjoy the company of fellow inductees. Known for his wit, Datsyuk entertained with his humor when asked about his motivation throughout his career, simply replying, «Paycheck.»