Pavel Datsyuk signs with Moscow Dynamo

Pavel Datsyuk has signed to play for Moscow Dynamo this fall, with an escape clause that allows him to return to Detroit once the NHL season begins. The deal is set to begin September 16, with the CBA expiring the day before. Agent Gary Greenstein explains the deal:

"It's something to protect Pavel in case there is a lockout. Pavel wants to play hockey somewhere. Dynamo has good coaches, good trainers, it's going to be a very good team."

Datsyuk is a restricted free agent, and it is likely that he will file for salary arbitration by tonight at midnight. He earned $1.5 million last season, finishing with 30 goals and 38 assists. After his breakout season, Datsyuk is looking for a significant raise. General Manager Ken Holland remains hopeful:

"We had some exploratory talks in June and nothing came out of them. Obviously, we're trying again."

Other than Datsyuk no other Wing eligible to file for arbitration is expected to do so (Mathieu Dandenault, Jiri Fischer, and Jason Williams). So, despite this news that Datsyuk will likely play in Russia this fall, as the owners and players hash out a new CBA, I remain confident that Pavel will be in a Winged-Wheel again. Says Greenstein:

"He loves Detroit, he loves playing for the Red Wings, and doesn't want to play anywhere else."

Datsyuk turns 26 on Tuesday. Bykov Update Greenstein also represents former Wings defenseman Dmitri Bykov, and has said that Bykov will remain in Russia next season. This honors the final year of a contract with Ak Bars Kazan. He plans to return to the NHL for the 2005-2006 season, and the Wings retain his rights and have expressed an interest in having him back. Last summer, Bykov signed a two-year, tax-free contract worth $2 million with Ak Bars Kazan. He had previously made $605,000 with the Wings.