Former Detroit Red Wings superstar Pavel Datsyuk announced on Wednesday that he won't be returning to SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL next season.
The Magic Man didn't announce his next move, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports Datsyuk and Red Wings senior vice president Ken Holland had discussions about a possible return to Detroit before Steve Yzerman recently took over as general manager.
However, Datsyuk's agent Dan Milstein said in December that his client hadn't entertained the idea of returning to the NHL.
Datsyuk left for the KHL after the 2015-16 season with one year left on his NHL deal. His contract was dealt by Detroit to the Arizona Coyotes, who still own his rights until he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The 40-year-old remained a star after he left North America, amassing 111 points in 135 games in the KHL while also captaining Russia to Olympic gold in 2018.
Datsyuk carved out a surefire Hall of Fame career during this NHL tenure, registering 918 points over 14 seasons while winning two Stanley Cups, four Lady Byng Trophies, and three Selkes.
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