Detroit signs Datsyuk to a 7-year deal

A $46.9 million, 7-year deal to be exact.
"Pavel really wanted to commit here for his career," Ken Holland said.

"In the end we felt very comfortable with a long-term commitment to Pavel," the GM said.

Mike Ilitch singled out longtime captain and current team executive Steve Yzerman for his insistence that the Red Wings' management retain Datsyuk.

"We felt it was extremely important to lock this player up for as long as we can," Yzerman said at an afternoon news conference at Joe Louis Arena.

Datsyuk has 328 points in 362 games with Detroit. His points-per-game average is on the rise as he continues to improve every season.

Datsyuk could have become a UFA this summer.

Datsyuk stats.

Datsyuk magic

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