Pavel Datsyuk is one of those athletes whose career is receiving even more recognition today than it did when he was playing.

Datsyuk added another layer of acclaim when the NHL Network named him on its NHL All-quarter Century Team.  To qualify, a player had to start his NHL career after Jan. 1, 2ooo. Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg were both eligible, but only the Magic Man was named. Zetterberg’s absence will certainly not sit well with Detroit fans who have spent the last couple of weeks watching their current players receive no love on NHL Network lists. The most recent snub was Moritz Seider not making the NHL Top 20 Defenseman list.

Introducing the NHL Network’s Quarter Century Team! pic.twitter.com/B9Or6GEJVI

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 15, 2025

Detroit fans and fellow NHL players appreciated Datsyuk when he was playing. He was a superb stickhandler, slick skater and a certified pickpocket as a defensive player. Now you have the puck, then Datsyuk hunts you down, and now you don’t. When the NHLPA started surveying players, they often said Datsyuk was the player they most enjoyed watching.

Datsyuk didn’t say much during his NHL career but has opened up more in retirement. Bob Duff chronicled that Datsyuk had something to say about the construction of the current team and he recently talked what it was like when he first joined the Red Wings.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Detroit player Mark Kirton loses his hard-fought battle against ALS.

DHN explores the ugliness of its nine-year NHL playoff drought. Only three other NHL franchises have endured longer playoff absences.

Keep an eye on Detroit prospect Nikita Tyurin, a Russian defenseman, who is off to a good start in the KHL preseason.

Red Wings Extra

The KHL’s Shanghai Dragons, coached by former Red Wings player Gerard Gallant, has signed goalie Patrik Rybar. The Slovak goalie played one season for the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2018-19. Former Detroit player Dmytro Timashov (five games with Red Wings in 2019-20) signed with Admiral Vladivostok the KHL.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: Alan Greenberg looks at the long journey the Panthers have experienced to hold back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships. Florida Panthers. 

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby should pass Mario Lemieux this season to become the Penguins’ all-time scoring leader and Evgeni Malkin continues to rise on the league’s all-time scoring leaders. It’s time to marvel at what this duo has accomplished with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Beware hockey world because Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund and Will Smith have all gotten better this offseason. San Jose Sharks. 

 

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