Holland plays down Datsyuk to Russia speculation: ‘I hear a lot of rumors’

Ken Holland doesn't sound too worried about the prospect of losing one of his star players.

On Saturday night, the Detroit Red Wings' general manager addressed a report that Pavel Datsyuk may be headed home to Russia after this season.

"I haven't talked to Pavel," Holland said, according to The Detroit News' Ted Kulfan. "He has a year to go (on his contract). Are the rumors news to me? I hear a lot of rumors.

"I'll sit down with all of our players at the end of the year, one by one, and talk to them all."

According to Saturday's report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Datsyuk may head for the KHL for family reasons, forgoing the final season of his contract, which pays "The Magic Man" $5.5 million and accounts for $7.5 million against Detroit's salary cap.

Datsyuk had an assist Saturday, giving the 37-year-old 48 points on the season. Detroit moved into a playoff spot - temporarily, at least - with its win in Toronto.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leave a Reply