Pavel Datsyuk

Magic Man

Pavel Valeryevich Datsyuk (, ; born 20 July 1978) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player, who played for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2001 to 2016. Nicknamed the "Magic Man", Datsyuk was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history, and was the only active player on the list outside the NHL at the time of announcement.

Quick Facts

Hall of Fame: 2024
Born: 20 July 1978
Birthplace: Sverdlovsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
League: KHL
Draft: 171st overall
Drafted by: Detroit Red Wings

Lore & Background

Datsyuk won the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008 with the Red Wings, and the Gagarin Cup in 2017 with SKA Saint Petersburg. He was part of the Russia men's national ice hockey team at the Olympic Games in 2002, 2006, 2010 and was team captain in 2014 and 2018. With his gold medal win at the 2018 Olympics, Datsyuk joined the Triple Gold Club.

Reader's Guide

Datsyuk was well known for his elite defensive play and game-changing offensive skills. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward in 2008, 2009 and 2010 while also being a finalist for the award in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He also won four consecutive Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, from 2006 to 2009, awarded for performance and sportsmanship while also being a finalist for the award in 2015. He was nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 2009. He was also a leading player for the Russian hockey team at multiple Olympics and World Cups. Datsyuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.

Did You Know?

Datsyuk was drafted 171st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
He was mentored by Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov, and Steve Yzerman early in his NHL career.
Datsyuk scored his first career NHL hat-trick on 12 May 2008 in a playoff game against the Dallas Stars.
He led the NHL in plus-minus (+41) and takeaways (144) in the 2007–08 season.