Former Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk is still adjusting to the reality of being a Hockey Hall of Famer.
“I’m still realizing that I’m there and it’s hard to believe,” Datsyuk admitted. “Of course, I feel fortunate.”
Reflecting on his partnership with Henrik Zetterberg during their time in Detroit, Datsyuk expressed sadness that Zetterberg has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“We’ve talked about it briefly,” Datsyuk mentioned. “I would love to see him recognized too.”
Despite their shared history driving the Red Wings, Datsyuk and Zetterberg share another common stance: they have no interest in joining the ranks of Detroit’s hockey operations department, where many former legends are currently involved.
A sight to see 🥲 Pavel Datsyuk is out on the ice with the Wings for development camp in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/9fyo1gUO1z
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) July 2, 2024
“Zetterberg has made it clear before, and I agree with him,” Datsyuk affirmed. “I understand how challenging it is to be a coach or development coach—you need a lot of patience.”
In his role as a development coach for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in the KHL, Datsyuk assists young players in finding their footing, a role he also took on at the Red Wings’ recent development camp at Little Caesars Arena.
