Pavel Datsyuk's gone home to Russia, but his contract remains in the NHL.
The Detroit Red Wings got out from under the center's contract Friday night, trading it the Arizona Coyotes in a deal made on the draft-room floor. And Detroit retained no salary in the process, meaning the club's cleared $7.5 million in cap space.
After the deal, general manager Ken Holland said he wants to use that money to replace Datsyuk's offense with an impact forward, according to ESPN's Craig Custance.
The Red Wings were the lowest-scoring playoff team in the NHL last season. They've been linked to soon-to-be free agent Steven Stamkos. Holland's comments will only add fuel to that fire.
Asked what he wants to do with the money, Holland was unequivocal: "Spend it."
Holland will be in touch with free agents Saturday when the discussion window opens, according to The Detroit News' Ted Kulfan.
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