Pavel Datsyuk finding it difficult to make final decision

Elliotte Friedman and Damien Cox discuss all the news and rumors around the NHL, including the possibility of Pavel Datsyuk heading back to Russia.

Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk says it is hard to make a final decision on his future.

Datsyuk was peppered with questions Monday, a day after being quoted in a story saying he was returning to Russia and retiring from the NHL.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS:
First Round Series Previews | Broadcast Schedule
Stanley Cup Playoffs Fantasy Hockey

The 37-year-old centre insists his focus is only on the playoffs. The Red Wings will play at Tampa Bay on Wednesday night in the first game of the playoffs.

Datsyuk has one season left on his three-year, $22.5 million contract. He will count $7.5 million against Detroit’s salary cap next season even if he retires. Datsyuk acknowledges it was a mistake to sign a multiyear deal.

Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg says he had a feeling Datsyuk would want to go back home.

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.