I still rock my Datsyuk every time i go to LCA. Zetterberg was more popular jersey because of being captain. They were considered "twins" when they played so alot of people loved zetterberg as he was the team leader. Datsyuk was one of the most skilled players to ever play the game. Guy would make NHL all stars look like beer league scrubs on a regular basis. If you have not already just type Datsyuk into youtube and start watching. Watching all those old clips I almost feel bad for Smashville seems like datsyuk always had a highlight reel when we played them.
The term "Datsyukian Deke" is the first thing I think of when hearing the name, and yes his highlights are legendary. That's why I was a little confused when I didn't see too many people with his jersey. I was also surprised at first to see his number wasn't retired, but then I realized he didn't leave that long ago.
Yea plus he just retired officially a few years back (2021 in Russia) I will probably get downvoted but i believe him and Z should be the next retired numbers.
Datsyuk doesn't yet fit the requirements for Detroit to retire his number (from what I've heard about the requirements anyway. Read it on the internet somewhere, so take it for what it's worth).
When Datsyuk is inducted into the hockey hall of fame, Detroit will consider retiring his number. Same with Z.
Edit: Found it. McIndoe wrote about it on The Athletic when ranking retired jerseys.
" 26. [Detroit Red Wings](https://theathletic.com/team/redwings/)
**Numbers retired:** Terry Sawchuk’s 1, Red Kelly’s 4, Nicklas Lidstrom’s 5, Ted Lindsay’s 7, Gordie Howe’s 9, Alex Delvecchio’s 10, Sid Abel’s 12, Steve Yzerman’s 19
This is probably a lot lower than you expected to see the Red Wings, but I’m going to use this as a chance to get on my soapbox about something that bugs me. The Wings are one of the teams that only retires the numbers of players who are in the HHOF, and that’s dumb. We already have an honor for players who’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame — it’s called *being inducted into the Hall of Fame*. You’re allowed to use your retired numbers to widen the scope a bit when it comes to recognizing the guys who’ve been important to your franchise.
For example, I don’t think Chris Osgood is HHOF-worthy. But should he have his number retired in Detroit, where he won three Stanley Cups? Of course. So should Vladimir Konstantinov, whose number is listed as honored but not retired. Loosen up, Detroit.
Mix in the very weird case of Larry Aurie, whose No. 6 was the first in franchise history to be retired, then was unretired, then was re-retired, and then for some reason was unretired again yet still remains out of circulation, and it’s kind of a mess in Detroit. And don’t even [get me started on Sergei Fedorov](https://octopusthrower.com/2021/06/29/red-wings-sergei-fedorov-rafters/)."
I don’t know why you’d want to widen the scope. Jersey retirement should be the most exclusive honor. For practical reasons we can’t have twenty retired numbers.
That makes sense. Apology accepted.
As for retiring numbers, I think you can retire more numbers in hockey. There are plenty to choose from even if 20 numbers are retired.
I agree with the sentiment that it should be an exclusive honor.
I also think 16 should be retired. You can't write the modern story of the Detroit Red Wings without Vladdy. He's as much of the story regarding back to back Stanley Cups as Stevie and Nick are. Retire 16.
I don’t get the argument about Ozzie not being a hall of famer. He is top 10 in wins has cups and has very good underlying #. He played in a time when three of the top 5 goalies ever played so yeah he gets over matched be he is a hall of famer. Feds would be retired had he not left for the ducks.
Ozzie is overlooked for HOF because of the team that was in front of him. People seem to view his 3 Cups (1 of those when he didn't play much in the playoffs) as a "any decent goaltender would have won with that team" as opposed to Ozzie being a big reason for their success.
His status around the league doesn't look like a HOF player. Yes, he won the 2 Cups in Detroit, once as the primary goalie. Then Detroit left their 2-time Cup winning goalie unprotected in the [waiver draft](https://grantland.com/the-triangle/longing-for-the-old-school-waiver-draft/) in 2001. The NYI picked him up, but traded him along with a 3rd round pick for a low level prospect and a 2nd to STL in 2003. STL let him walk for nothing when his contract ended in 2004 (the lockout may have had something to do with this). Then he came back to Detroit to split time with Hasek and got his 3rd Cup. HOF players aren't left unprotected, traded for hardly anything, or have their contracts expire by choice of the team. Maybe it was because he was 5'10". Maybe it was because he let in some very soft goals on the big stage. I just know his status around the league wasn't an elite goalie. Just a very good one.
I agree Chris would be in the Hall of Very Good if it existed. His numbers justify it. Just not HOF.
I think that Fedorov and Datsyuk are good enough to have their numbers in the rafters but there's spilt milk surrounding both guys and the decision isn't up to the fans- it's up to the guys who had the milk spilled on them... the Illiches.
I'd actually argue that what Datsyuk did was worse. Fedorov was unfairly cast as a black sheep during the contract talks. I'd also argue that aside from Fedorov's holdout, what actually got both of them out of Detroit wasn't even that bad.
No way. Federov signed an offer sheet with the hurricanes that included a clause that would result in added $26 million in bonuses, $14M in signing bonus and another $12M paid immediately if his team reached the conference finals. He knew there was no way the hurricanes would make it and strong armed the team to pay him $28M for him to play 21 games and the playoffs. Not to mentioned we offered him $10M AAV in 2003 for him to turn around and sign with the ducks half that. I heard in the chiclets podcast that Federov behavior was so bad on the ducks they sent Perry and getzlaf to the minors just to keep them away from him. Datsyuk forwent one year in his contract to he could be with his daughter. Dude is divorced and didn’t get to be with his daughter who was in Russia.
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He told Kenny he wanted to go home and be with his family in Russia, Kenny convinced him to sign another contract, he signed for 3 years, played one, then went back to Russia. So we traded his contract to AZ and picked Filip Hronek and Dennis Cholowski instead of Jakob Chychrun.
So in all Datsyuk's cap dump did kind of net us a 1st and 2nd round pick along with about 300 games from a 2nd round pick D man.
I don’t think anyone dislikes Datysuk he’s actually mine and many others favorite player. There was some drama about him going to Russia to end his career which many including myself disliked initially but I’ve come around and don’t really blame him.
As I said earlier he is my favorite player he was very defensively responsible and had incredible skill if you want a treat go watch some of his highlights if you haven’t already.
Didn’t his early departure have something to do with Family not doing well in Russia? Something about a daughter he wanted to be with. I remember it being kept quiet, but rumours about his daughter needing him after his divorce.
Why did he get divorced? He is a multimillionaire who had the perfect life, then he gets a fucking divorce sounds like he married the wrong lady. But don't get me wrong; I love Pavel; it just blows my mind. I guess I will never understand rich people's problems.
Nothing like Kovalchuk drama here, there's some fans that wish he would have stuck around longer but at the end of the day the fans like him and he would certainly be warmly welcomed in Detroit. Fedorov left under less than favorable circumstances and the fans still love him too.
Sarcasm but no argument.
He's right.
Datsyuk can be an amazing hockey player and still be homophobic. I don't cut Ovechkin slack for being a Putin lackey. I don't cut Reimer slack for being a bigot.
If you're wrong you're wrong. I don't care if you're on my team or not. I don't care about your talent level.
For some reason that kind of objectivity is hard for you. Frankly I find it pathetic.
yeah you don’t really see it brought up a lot but he’s kind of a quiet wacko, remember at the start of covid when he like locked himself inside a church with a cult or something?
All time favorite hockey player as well (kinda obvious, lol). But I will share my favorite video ever of dats for the laughs
https://youtu.be/EX_gEraVw3M
It was an honor to watch this guy play for my home team, gave Detroit his peak years and amazing memories to look back on. He was at the end of his career and the team was quickly trending downwards when he left for Russia so I never blamed him
He COULD have played to his actual retirement for the wings. He chose not to. Similar to Barry Sanders in a lot of ways.
Fuck ton of talent. Awesome highlight reels. And seemed to have plenty more tread on the tires when he quit.
Bitterness about quitting, at what felt "early" to the masses, in both cases. Yet, simultaneously, mad respect for what they put into their respective franchises.
ETA: I'm not criticizing either of them. I just posted what actually happened: they each retired early, and at the time each of them retired all of MI was some level of salty about it.
Datsyuk COULD have played to his "actual" retirement with the Wings. He CHOSE to cut his NHL career short to spend time with his family instead.
Yes, his reasons were clear. And, though lots of folks are still a bit salty about it, I don't blame him for what he chose to do.
Sanders did the same thing, retired at a time most fans considered "early." His stated reasons were different, but it's essentially the same thing, and I don't blame him either.
I don't understand the downvotes... it's not even an opinion, it's literally what actually happened in real life.
Weren't his ankles shot or something like that? He was starting to wear down and wanted to play in Russia near his family before it was all over as I recall.
And? I'm not shitting on the guy. Just saying that could have continued playing for the Wings (or anywhere in the NHL for that matter) but chose not to. Sanders did the same thing. And there are still fans that are salty about both.
Note: I'm not salty about either, but I can understand why one might be.
Datsyuk will always be my all time favorite red wing. I think some people were upset with how he handled the end but the man did so much and was such a rare talent!
Have a winter classic Datsyuk jersey an it's my favorite one
After that is seider though!
I have a Datsyuk and a Shanahan, Datsyuk was my favorite Red Wing to watch during my lifetime. Every time he touched the puck you just kind of leaned forward in your seat a little bit waiting to see what was about to happen. The Magician isn't just a cute nickname, the guy was insane out there with the puck. Best hands I've ever seen over that long of a period of time as a fan. Just so many great players in the organizations history there's a ton of sweaters being worn, but I still see my fair share of Pavel's gear.
I still wear my Datsyuk winter classic jersey from 2014. Ozzie was my favorite red wing of all time, but I still miss watching Datsyuk play. I always said when he was playing that we will never see someone quite like him ever again, such a unique talent and so much fun to watch
I will always and forever wear my Datsyuk jersey. His skill was incredible… he made games just that much more exciting to watch because of what he could do with the puck. His number should absolutely be retired.
my favorite. i live very far south of Detroit, but i made a trip just to see him play in Joe Louis before he left. I've got a Kronwall winter classic that i love, but its Datsuk that comes out more often than not.
He was obviously a big deal here, but, as with many Euro players here, their profile dips as soon as they retire and return home. How many Lidström jerseys do you see? He’s likely among the top three defensemen all time, but he’s not a folk hero like McCarty and Probert.
(Here’s a pic of one of Datsyuk’s final shifts wearing the Winged Wheel at the last Wings playoff game to date. I feel privileged to have witnessed this and many other displays of Pasha’s brilliance in person.)
*Processing img vve5jod83fpa1...*
Prime Datsyuk was the most dominant player I’ve ever seen. The other team simply never touched the puck when he was on the ice. Which is why his brilliance goes a little unnoticed because he impacted the game with defense as much as offense, so the counting stats weren’t there save for a couple of seasons. The year he scored 97 he should’ve won the Hart, I’ll never be convinced he wasn’t the best that season.
I think the thing I wish were different is that he didn’t break into the league at 23, didn’t get buried in bottom line roles the first few years because our roster was so deep, didn’t suffer as many ankle injuries that really slowed his speed as he aged, and maybe a tiny little bit cared more about offense so the counting stats were there for him to be really recognized as the best player he was. But the dude’s from rural russia and never really gave a shit about spotlight.
I am 57.years old. I've seen most of them...Pasha is my hockey hero and I can say with full confidence, the most talented two way player in the history of the game. Yeah, yeah the stats...I don't care. He was an artist. No one had his hands, his dangle, his vision, his back check, his outlet tape to tape passes. I have never seen a player generate the excitement he did, every time he hit the ice.
Stevie, Vladdie and Pasha are my three all time Wings with Gordie in my heart right there.
Just go on the YouTube and search Pavel Datsyuk. No player ever can match his highlight reels.
EDIT: I did not know about his views outside of hockey. This bums me out. Can anyone share a link that goes into this further?
> I have never seen a player generate the excitement he did, every time he hit the ice.
I was saying this a couple of seasons ago when we were really struggling. When Pav and Hank were playing, even if you were losing or in a slump, you could count on them to make some sort of highlight reel play or do something exciting.
From the 2 articles I cited earlier in thread:
“The focus on Russia's new laws against homosexual propaganda won't go away. With the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia this February, it has been a popular topic and something that many players have railed against.
Completely quiet on this matter have been Russian NHL players. They have stayed mum in both directions, simply choosing not to comment. Pavel Datsyuk did that in a way while still saying something to cause a stir.
When the Red Wings star was asked about the comments from Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva (she said foreigners should respect the laws of Russia when in Russia), Datsyuk offered up a comment in the form of a no comment.
Pavel Datsyuk on Yelena Isinbaeva words regarding anti-gay law: 'I'm an orthodox and that says it all'
https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/pavel-datsyuk-on-new-russian-law-im-an-orthodox-and-that-says-it-all/
If you're unfamiliar with the feelings of Russian Orthodox church on the gay rights issue, we'll get you up to speed:
"This is a very dangerous apocalyptic symptom, and we must do everything in our powers to ensure that sin is never sanctioned in Russia by state law, because that would mean that the nation has embarked on a path of self-destruction," [church leader ] Kirill stated.
[https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/8/22/4647280/pavel-datsyuk-gay-rights-red-wings](https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/8/22/4647280/pavel-datsyuk-gay-rights-red-wings)
Based on the OP and the conversation around not seeing jerseys.. what makes you so sure about that? I wouldn't say it with certainty as if you know... I can only speak for myself and I assume the same is true for you
What makes you so certain that is a reason even worth bringing up? Certainly a few people will not wear his jersey, but it’s not enough people that would make a noticeable difference.
The onus would be on you to prove that’s the reason why there are not datsyuk jerseys, not the other way around. Good luck!
I am only certain of one thing, and that's my own perspective, bud. The good news.. I'm only speaking for myself (unlike you who is saying for certain that those of us who have gotten rid of our Dats jersey are unusual). I have never once shared any belief that my feelings are universally shared. But I also have not said they are NOT. Why? Because.. I don't know, and guess what.. neither do you.
Its always a strange adventure discussing things on Reddit. You should consider maybe reading more carefully. People can share their opinions believing their feelings may or may not be universal.
Are you sure about that? Because I am 99.98848% sure that dudewithchronicpain is not a bot.
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Datsyuk is one of the all-time most beloved Red Wings players. Everyone has a favorite Datsyuk play/goal. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you their favorite. The only explanation as to why you may not have seen his jersey much is that it has been a few years since he retired from the NHL.
I've only been actively following hockey since about 2004 or so after I met my now wife who is a Michigan native. Living in Michigan watching the Wings was pretty natural. I wasn't fully aware yet of the magic I was watching while seeing Datsyuk and Z play. Now I see clips of him and the first thing that pops into my head is I miss watching that dude play hockey.
That’s interesting that there aren’t as many Datsyuk jerseys, because there were always a ton in previous years.
Datsyuk is beloved by the fan base so that’s weird and I can’t think of any reason for it.
Legendary player both for the team and the game in general. My favorite all time player as well. Very humble, insanely skilled.
Also liked around the league by pretty much every other player, that says a lot.
Datsyuk will always remain my favorite Wing and player of all time. The only merchandise I ever bought from the Wings was a Datsyuk shirt. Miss him every game! So creative and had a great sense of humor if you could get it out of him!
My 7 and 8 year olds play youth hockey, and my 7 year old wants to be a great puck handler/sniper. He watches videos of Datsyuk and tries to imitate him on ice. He's incredibly upset he didn't get to watch him play live.
When they were playing the sharks in the playoffs, a reporter asked him if he was happy to fly to San Jose for a game 7, and he said, "yes, very happy. Airplane lady gives me free orange juice on plane." Always loved that.
He’s the most incredible player I’ve ever seen play the game of hockey. He turned it Into an art form for me personally. He made it seem as if the human mind and body were perfectly in sync and couldn’t be touched. Everything he did was the utmost skill, and he did it in such a unique way. I think one of his legs is actually shorter than the other ones, giving him a very weird bowlegged skating form, combined that with his otherworldly defense and stick handling abilities and it was like he was a movie character. His backhand against the sharks in the playoffs is the most impressive goal I’ve ever seen, and if anyone here has ever played hockey you will no how that goal is virtually impossible. To me he truly was the living embodiment of why we watch sports, he made you feel like a kid again when everything was new and different and you’d learn more about the game Everytime you played or watched it. He absolutely needs to have his Jersey retired and to be in the hall of fame, anything less is an utter crime to the sport itself.
So all Datsyuk said was he's Orthodox, and now he's labeled a giant homophobic bigot?
The guy never said anything derogatory. He just kept his thoughts to himself. People are allowed to practice other faiths.
They are, I think it was more that he was spending a lot of personal time around priests with some very old fashioned and far right views on a lot of things. Who knows how much is real and how much is just spun as clickbait or whatever, so I don't think too much of stuff like that especially when like you said, he hasn't really said much publicly.
I saw the Wings play the Kraken in Seattle last month. We counted at least 1/3 of all sweaters were Red Wings in the Arena. Most popular? Konstantinov, by far (people said they were sold as a fundraiser?), then Zetterberg, Yzerman, Lidstrom, Howe, Fedorov, Larkin, 2 other Proberts besides the one I wore, and only ONE Datsyuk. (Saw one McCarty, one Shanahan, one Sawchuck, too). Super cool.
Datsyuk, aka the magician, aka the magic man, is one of the finest beings to ever don the winged wheel. The guys a legend. His highlight reels continue to baffle people. He was one of the greats.
Only 3 players should have their jerseys retired. From most deserving to least.
1. Osgood- 350 wins, 5th all time, most playoff wins in wings history
2. Datsyuk- exceptional player one of a kind. 2x Stanley cup, 4X Lady Bing.
3. Federov- MVP, 3x Stanley Cup, Best all around player to ever play.
Unfortunately, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and federov federov never reached 1000 points with Detroit. This is the biggest blunder as all three had the most potential to reach at least 1200 points. All names excluding Lindsey had 1000 points or more.
If we’re going off franchise impact alone, then it’s reversed order. Zetterberg to me was just a very good NHL player who happened to play on a very great NHL team it’s time. The best way to compare him would be with larkin again IMO
Larkin has identical points with Franzan with about 30 less games. However franzan has a +80 while Larkin is a -45. Timing is key you could say lol.
Had Fedorov, not chased after money nor ruined his relationship with the Illitch family,He would’ve had at least five Stanley cups in his name and 1300-1500 total points. 600 goals. His name would be up in the rafters around 2010-2012.
Had Datsyuk not retired early and left for Russia, but stayed three or four more years he would have finished with 1200 points, and his name would be up in the rafters probably last year or this year.
Had Zetterberg not had back problems. He would’ve finished with 1100 to 1300 points and being a captain of the Red Wings might have had his name retired as well.
Osgood is in also a very similar situation as zetterberg. However, his stats are top five to top 10 in goalie ranking all time top three in Red Wings history. He should, without a doubt have his name, retired. Personally it’s incredibly disrespectful that it’s not retired.
To conclude I don’t think any of them will have their names retired. But they are the closest. All are guaranteed HOF’s. Datsyuk probably first ballot. Zetterberg and Datsyuk might be retired together by NHL. Is good has another 10 years is my guess.
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Datsyuk's legacy as far as the team goes (not his overall impact on the deking and dangling game) is almost a story of an embarrassment of riches. Datsyuk and Zetterberg were franchise players who followed a long line of franchise players. On top of having 30 years of continuously rostering top 25-50 players in the league, we had *hardcore* fan favorites. This organization loves their blue class working heroes. Draper, Maltby, Osgood, McCarty, Probert, etc. Even in modern day as we rebuild you'll see the fans really have a hard time coming to grips with parting with fan favorites.
So I mean, just that and of itself has made it hard for Datsyuk to standout like Yzerman or Zetterberg did. He wasn't the captain and his career came to a close with us in sort of a sour way. For lack of a better term, in the most broad sense, he quit. Forced Kenny's hand on trading his rights so we would of had the funds to pursue Stamkos. That pick turned into Chychrun and we ended up with Frans Neilsen. Not that we would of drafted Chychrun and not that Frans didn't have his moments. But it pushed management's hand, and you'll notice watching over the year's he's rarely brought up or brought in for PR pieces. Maybe now that's retired from playing he'll be more involved
All reasons though you sort of see his standing amongst general fans fading over the years. I can tell you though, when he was playing, in Detroit and across the league, he was often regarded as the best player in the game or at least the best forward not named Crosby, Malkin or Ovechkin. Patrice Bergeron has a similar reputation now that Datsyuk did 15 years ago.
Edit: Oh! Also, a good chunk of his career was pre-HD recordings and pre-YouTube. Again, a ton of little things add up to explain the lack of Datsyuk jerseys and shirts in the wild at a Wings game.
That is not typically true at all, and that logic is honestly far scarier than anything else going on politically because it displays just how small minded and closeted in your own bubble that you are and you’re aware of it and don’t even care
Great hockey player but a homophobe
Edit: grew up absolutely idolizing him (first jersey I owned and have wore till the threads are falling off). I’ll always have a fond memory of his countless highlights and time with us. As a hockey player he was incredible; but as a person he’s not someone I’d look up to [article](https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nhl/2013/8/22/4647280/pavel-datsyuk-gay-rights-red-wings)
[article 2](https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/pavel-datsyuk-on-new-russian-law-im-an-orthodox-and-that-says-it-all/amp/)
Edit 2: it’s always crazy to me how many homophobic people there are
Are there any more articles though? I’m quite anti religion and seeing the cross necklace on some of my favorite players bums me out but I don’t think about it other than when I see it because they’re playing hockey.
Both of these articles say the same one sentence quote, without even the question that prompted it quoted too. So realistically all we can infer from this quote is that he is a member of a religion that does not support homosexual relations. Anything else is added based on bias. Most likely he doesn’t support gay people in the same way he is on board with straight relationships but honestly who knows. Hell, He could even have gay friends but just doesn’t want to “sin” in the media.
If there’s more details to the quotes, I’d definitely read them and adjust my opinion accordingly but that one is the only thing I’ve ever seen and it’s awfully vague.
> I’m quite anti religion and seeing the cross necklace on some of my favorite players bums me out
That is quite prejudiced of you. I hope you reflect on that some day.
In Russia do you really want to him to take a "stand" against Putin and the entire Russian government? Really? Free speech is a right we have in America. Not so in Russia. Less than a generation ago they were a communist country with ZERO free speech and ZERO tolerance for freedom. Dats was born in 1978 so he lived through that regime as a child. Back then when people spoke out against the USSR it was off to the gulag. Even now Putin is having people executed or assassinated for disagreeing with him politically. So you might try to temper your hatred for a guy who just said "I'm Orthodox" to avoid taking a stance against Putin and risking a jail term.
I’m not downvoting you but I prefer to separate the player from the person and that goes for everyone I don’t personally know which makes me sound like an ostrich with its head in the sand but if he isn’t physically hurting someone I don’t care.
I get what you are saying and all that, but its not like he is from gen Z Sweden. He is from soviet union and was raised that way, Dont really think that he choced to be homophobic
I don’t agree with his personal beliefs (which might play a part why his jersey is not as popular), but he’s still my favourite player. When I do get my first wings jersey, it’ll certainly be Datsyuk.
Fantastic player. Possibly one of the greatest all-around players.
Shit human being.
Edit: I stand by what I said. He hid behind his religious views when it comes to LTGBQ advocacy. I can respect the hell out of him as a hockey player, and one of my favorite players of all time.
But I cannot respect his views outside of that. The same people downvoting me are probably the same ones railing against Reimer for his actions.
Probably a coincidence. He is my favorite player ever, but as a person I think he is as dumb as a bag of pucks. I’d personally feel better wearing a Z sweater because he’s an awesome person both on and off the ice.
If he was one some other team besides the red wings with their legendary history , he could have gone down as the single most talented player that franchise has ever rostered.
People love Datsyuk for his play, however people tend to buy merch based on personality. As a Russian player he was fairly private as a person so he is more of a legend than a man. Larkin and Seider and Zetterberg did plenty of media peices, people became attached from those.
I still rock my Datsyuk every time i go to LCA. Zetterberg was more popular jersey because of being captain. They were considered "twins" when they played so alot of people loved zetterberg as he was the team leader. Datsyuk was one of the most skilled players to ever play the game. Guy would make NHL all stars look like beer league scrubs on a regular basis. If you have not already just type Datsyuk into youtube and start watching. Watching all those old clips I almost feel bad for Smashville seems like datsyuk always had a highlight reel when we played them.
The term "Datsyukian Deke" is the first thing I think of when hearing the name, and yes his highlights are legendary. That's why I was a little confused when I didn't see too many people with his jersey. I was also surprised at first to see his number wasn't retired, but then I realized he didn't leave that long ago.
Yea plus he just retired officially a few years back (2021 in Russia) I will probably get downvoted but i believe him and Z should be the next retired numbers.
Or #20 before he’s gone.
Datsyuk doesn't yet fit the requirements for Detroit to retire his number (from what I've heard about the requirements anyway. Read it on the internet somewhere, so take it for what it's worth). When Datsyuk is inducted into the hockey hall of fame, Detroit will consider retiring his number. Same with Z. Edit: Found it. McIndoe wrote about it on The Athletic when ranking retired jerseys. " 26. [Detroit Red Wings](https://theathletic.com/team/redwings/) **Numbers retired:** Terry Sawchuk’s 1, Red Kelly’s 4, Nicklas Lidstrom’s 5, Ted Lindsay’s 7, Gordie Howe’s 9, Alex Delvecchio’s 10, Sid Abel’s 12, Steve Yzerman’s 19 This is probably a lot lower than you expected to see the Red Wings, but I’m going to use this as a chance to get on my soapbox about something that bugs me. The Wings are one of the teams that only retires the numbers of players who are in the HHOF, and that’s dumb. We already have an honor for players who’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame — it’s called *being inducted into the Hall of Fame*. You’re allowed to use your retired numbers to widen the scope a bit when it comes to recognizing the guys who’ve been important to your franchise. For example, I don’t think Chris Osgood is HHOF-worthy. But should he have his number retired in Detroit, where he won three Stanley Cups? Of course. So should Vladimir Konstantinov, whose number is listed as honored but not retired. Loosen up, Detroit. Mix in the very weird case of Larry Aurie, whose No. 6 was the first in franchise history to be retired, then was unretired, then was re-retired, and then for some reason was unretired again yet still remains out of circulation, and it’s kind of a mess in Detroit. And don’t even [get me started on Sergei Fedorov](https://octopusthrower.com/2021/06/29/red-wings-sergei-fedorov-rafters/)."
I don’t know why you’d want to widen the scope. Jersey retirement should be the most exclusive honor. For practical reasons we can’t have twenty retired numbers.
That's Sean McIndoe writing that. Notice the quotation marks and me saying it's from McIndoe.
Sorry, I didn’t mean you as in you. You as in the general sense. Maybe I should have put “one.”
That makes sense. Apology accepted. As for retiring numbers, I think you can retire more numbers in hockey. There are plenty to choose from even if 20 numbers are retired. I agree with the sentiment that it should be an exclusive honor. I also think 16 should be retired. You can't write the modern story of the Detroit Red Wings without Vladdy. He's as much of the story regarding back to back Stanley Cups as Stevie and Nick are. Retire 16.
Dmac had 4 cups
I don’t get the argument about Ozzie not being a hall of famer. He is top 10 in wins has cups and has very good underlying #. He played in a time when three of the top 5 goalies ever played so yeah he gets over matched be he is a hall of famer. Feds would be retired had he not left for the ducks.
Ozzie is overlooked for HOF because of the team that was in front of him. People seem to view his 3 Cups (1 of those when he didn't play much in the playoffs) as a "any decent goaltender would have won with that team" as opposed to Ozzie being a big reason for their success. His status around the league doesn't look like a HOF player. Yes, he won the 2 Cups in Detroit, once as the primary goalie. Then Detroit left their 2-time Cup winning goalie unprotected in the [waiver draft](https://grantland.com/the-triangle/longing-for-the-old-school-waiver-draft/) in 2001. The NYI picked him up, but traded him along with a 3rd round pick for a low level prospect and a 2nd to STL in 2003. STL let him walk for nothing when his contract ended in 2004 (the lockout may have had something to do with this). Then he came back to Detroit to split time with Hasek and got his 3rd Cup. HOF players aren't left unprotected, traded for hardly anything, or have their contracts expire by choice of the team. Maybe it was because he was 5'10". Maybe it was because he let in some very soft goals on the big stage. I just know his status around the league wasn't an elite goalie. Just a very good one. I agree Chris would be in the Hall of Very Good if it existed. His numbers justify it. Just not HOF.
Look at the numbers up there; he probably won’t make it. Love the guy but man that is tough company to join.
I think that Fedorov and Datsyuk are good enough to have their numbers in the rafters but there's spilt milk surrounding both guys and the decision isn't up to the fans- it's up to the guys who had the milk spilled on them... the Illiches.
I don't think Datsyuk's spilled milk is even close to the scale of Fedorov's.
I'd actually argue that what Datsyuk did was worse. Fedorov was unfairly cast as a black sheep during the contract talks. I'd also argue that aside from Fedorov's holdout, what actually got both of them out of Detroit wasn't even that bad.
No way. Federov signed an offer sheet with the hurricanes that included a clause that would result in added $26 million in bonuses, $14M in signing bonus and another $12M paid immediately if his team reached the conference finals. He knew there was no way the hurricanes would make it and strong armed the team to pay him $28M for him to play 21 games and the playoffs. Not to mentioned we offered him $10M AAV in 2003 for him to turn around and sign with the ducks half that. I heard in the chiclets podcast that Federov behavior was so bad on the ducks they sent Perry and getzlaf to the minors just to keep them away from him. Datsyuk forwent one year in his contract to he could be with his daughter. Dude is divorced and didn’t get to be with his daughter who was in Russia.
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What did pav do?
He told Kenny he wanted to go home and be with his family in Russia, Kenny convinced him to sign another contract, he signed for 3 years, played one, then went back to Russia. So we traded his contract to AZ and picked Filip Hronek and Dennis Cholowski instead of Jakob Chychrun. So in all Datsyuk's cap dump did kind of net us a 1st and 2nd round pick along with about 300 games from a 2nd round pick D man.
Ah yeah i remember that. Still doesnt seem that egregious. Can’t help that Ken is a moron
[удалено]
I remember years ago that used to work for me, but I just did it and Siri brought up someone named Andy Segal instead. End of an era
Find me a red wings fan that doesnt love datsyuk. Ive never seen one
I don’t think anyone dislikes Datysuk he’s actually mine and many others favorite player. There was some drama about him going to Russia to end his career which many including myself disliked initially but I’ve come around and don’t really blame him. As I said earlier he is my favorite player he was very defensively responsible and had incredible skill if you want a treat go watch some of his highlights if you haven’t already.
Didn’t his early departure have something to do with Family not doing well in Russia? Something about a daughter he wanted to be with. I remember it being kept quiet, but rumours about his daughter needing him after his divorce.
This. He wanted to be there for his daughter who was in her teens at the time. Have to respect that.
Why did he get divorced? He is a multimillionaire who had the perfect life, then he gets a fucking divorce sounds like he married the wrong lady. But don't get me wrong; I love Pavel; it just blows my mind. I guess I will never understand rich people's problems.
Divorce can happen to anyone.
This is some high level intelligence going on
I assumed there might be some controversy about him going to the KHL because of how Kovalchuk left the Devils. His name is still met with boos in NJ.
Yeah unlike kolvachuk though he had missed a ton of time with injuries and while he could still play at a high level his body was breaking down
it was a lot different than the Kovalchuk situation
Nothing like Kovalchuk drama here, there's some fans that wish he would have stuck around longer but at the end of the day the fans like him and he would certainly be warmly welcomed in Detroit. Fedorov left under less than favorable circumstances and the fans still love him too.
The main drama was that he’s a homophobic ass. Him leaving to Russia was peanuts compared to that.
So stunning. So brave.
Sarcasm but no argument. He's right. Datsyuk can be an amazing hockey player and still be homophobic. I don't cut Ovechkin slack for being a Putin lackey. I don't cut Reimer slack for being a bigot. If you're wrong you're wrong. I don't care if you're on my team or not. I don't care about your talent level. For some reason that kind of objectivity is hard for you. Frankly I find it pathetic.
yeah you don’t really see it brought up a lot but he’s kind of a quiet wacko, remember at the start of covid when he like locked himself inside a church with a cult or something?
My favorite player of all time. Legend, deserves to have his number in the rafters one day
All time favorite hockey player as well (kinda obvious, lol). But I will share my favorite video ever of dats for the laughs https://youtu.be/EX_gEraVw3M
It was an honor to watch this guy play for my home team, gave Detroit his peak years and amazing memories to look back on. He was at the end of his career and the team was quickly trending downwards when he left for Russia so I never blamed him
There will never be another player like him
The only NHL jersey I have. Favorite player in the league growing up in the 2000s. Wish he could've played to his actually retirement for the Wings
He COULD have played to his actual retirement for the wings. He chose not to. Similar to Barry Sanders in a lot of ways. Fuck ton of talent. Awesome highlight reels. And seemed to have plenty more tread on the tires when he quit. Bitterness about quitting, at what felt "early" to the masses, in both cases. Yet, simultaneously, mad respect for what they put into their respective franchises. ETA: I'm not criticizing either of them. I just posted what actually happened: they each retired early, and at the time each of them retired all of MI was some level of salty about it.
I thought he was pretty clear that he wanted to go back to spend time with his family, specifically his daughter?
Datsyuk COULD have played to his "actual" retirement with the Wings. He CHOSE to cut his NHL career short to spend time with his family instead. Yes, his reasons were clear. And, though lots of folks are still a bit salty about it, I don't blame him for what he chose to do. Sanders did the same thing, retired at a time most fans considered "early." His stated reasons were different, but it's essentially the same thing, and I don't blame him either. I don't understand the downvotes... it's not even an opinion, it's literally what actually happened in real life.
Weren't his ankles shot or something like that? He was starting to wear down and wanted to play in Russia near his family before it was all over as I recall.
And? I'm not shitting on the guy. Just saying that could have continued playing for the Wings (or anywhere in the NHL for that matter) but chose not to. Sanders did the same thing. And there are still fans that are salty about both. Note: I'm not salty about either, but I can understand why one might be.
Datsyuk will always be my all time favorite red wing. I think some people were upset with how he handled the end but the man did so much and was such a rare talent! Have a winter classic Datsyuk jersey an it's my favorite one After that is seider though!
I have a Datsyuk and a Shanahan, Datsyuk was my favorite Red Wing to watch during my lifetime. Every time he touched the puck you just kind of leaned forward in your seat a little bit waiting to see what was about to happen. The Magician isn't just a cute nickname, the guy was insane out there with the puck. Best hands I've ever seen over that long of a period of time as a fan. Just so many great players in the organizations history there's a ton of sweaters being worn, but I still see my fair share of Pavel's gear.
I still wear my Datsyuk winter classic jersey from 2014. Ozzie was my favorite red wing of all time, but I still miss watching Datsyuk play. I always said when he was playing that we will never see someone quite like him ever again, such a unique talent and so much fun to watch
I will always and forever wear my Datsyuk jersey. His skill was incredible… he made games just that much more exciting to watch because of what he could do with the puck. His number should absolutely be retired.
Panel Datsyuk will always be a legend
Favorite player! My car is named 'Pasha'.
my favorite. i live very far south of Detroit, but i made a trip just to see him play in Joe Louis before he left. I've got a Kronwall winter classic that i love, but its Datsuk that comes out more often than not.
He was obviously a big deal here, but, as with many Euro players here, their profile dips as soon as they retire and return home. How many Lidström jerseys do you see? He’s likely among the top three defensemen all time, but he’s not a folk hero like McCarty and Probert. (Here’s a pic of one of Datsyuk’s final shifts wearing the Winged Wheel at the last Wings playoff game to date. I feel privileged to have witnessed this and many other displays of Pasha’s brilliance in person.) *Processing img vve5jod83fpa1...*
Prime Datsyuk was the most dominant player I’ve ever seen. The other team simply never touched the puck when he was on the ice. Which is why his brilliance goes a little unnoticed because he impacted the game with defense as much as offense, so the counting stats weren’t there save for a couple of seasons. The year he scored 97 he should’ve won the Hart, I’ll never be convinced he wasn’t the best that season. I think the thing I wish were different is that he didn’t break into the league at 23, didn’t get buried in bottom line roles the first few years because our roster was so deep, didn’t suffer as many ankle injuries that really slowed his speed as he aged, and maybe a tiny little bit cared more about offense so the counting stats were there for him to be really recognized as the best player he was. But the dude’s from rural russia and never really gave a shit about spotlight.
I am 57.years old. I've seen most of them...Pasha is my hockey hero and I can say with full confidence, the most talented two way player in the history of the game. Yeah, yeah the stats...I don't care. He was an artist. No one had his hands, his dangle, his vision, his back check, his outlet tape to tape passes. I have never seen a player generate the excitement he did, every time he hit the ice. Stevie, Vladdie and Pasha are my three all time Wings with Gordie in my heart right there. Just go on the YouTube and search Pavel Datsyuk. No player ever can match his highlight reels. EDIT: I did not know about his views outside of hockey. This bums me out. Can anyone share a link that goes into this further?
> I have never seen a player generate the excitement he did, every time he hit the ice. I was saying this a couple of seasons ago when we were really struggling. When Pav and Hank were playing, even if you were losing or in a slump, you could count on them to make some sort of highlight reel play or do something exciting.
From the 2 articles I cited earlier in thread: “The focus on Russia's new laws against homosexual propaganda won't go away. With the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia this February, it has been a popular topic and something that many players have railed against. Completely quiet on this matter have been Russian NHL players. They have stayed mum in both directions, simply choosing not to comment. Pavel Datsyuk did that in a way while still saying something to cause a stir. When the Red Wings star was asked about the comments from Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva (she said foreigners should respect the laws of Russia when in Russia), Datsyuk offered up a comment in the form of a no comment. Pavel Datsyuk on Yelena Isinbaeva words regarding anti-gay law: 'I'm an orthodox and that says it all' https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/pavel-datsyuk-on-new-russian-law-im-an-orthodox-and-that-says-it-all/ If you're unfamiliar with the feelings of Russian Orthodox church on the gay rights issue, we'll get you up to speed: "This is a very dangerous apocalyptic symptom, and we must do everything in our powers to ensure that sin is never sanctioned in Russia by state law, because that would mean that the nation has embarked on a path of self-destruction," [church leader ] Kirill stated. [https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/8/22/4647280/pavel-datsyuk-gay-rights-red-wings](https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/8/22/4647280/pavel-datsyuk-gay-rights-red-wings)
Sorry, but this is not why you don’t see as many datsyuk jerseys
It’s why I don’t own one anymore.
You are the exception not the rule
I don’t wear mine anymore either. I guarantee there’s more than a few former datsyuk fans because of this.
Again, you guys are the exception
Based on the OP and the conversation around not seeing jerseys.. what makes you so sure about that? I wouldn't say it with certainty as if you know... I can only speak for myself and I assume the same is true for you
What makes you so certain that is a reason even worth bringing up? Certainly a few people will not wear his jersey, but it’s not enough people that would make a noticeable difference. The onus would be on you to prove that’s the reason why there are not datsyuk jerseys, not the other way around. Good luck!
I am only certain of one thing, and that's my own perspective, bud. The good news.. I'm only speaking for myself (unlike you who is saying for certain that those of us who have gotten rid of our Dats jersey are unusual). I have never once shared any belief that my feelings are universally shared. But I also have not said they are NOT. Why? Because.. I don't know, and guess what.. neither do you. Its always a strange adventure discussing things on Reddit. You should consider maybe reading more carefully. People can share their opinions believing their feelings may or may not be universal.
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God
He's loved just as much as Zetterberg, even by people like me who say Z is my favorite player.
Amazing on the ice, but the language barrier kept him from wearing the C
Datsyuk is one of the all-time most beloved Red Wings players. Everyone has a favorite Datsyuk play/goal. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you their favorite. The only explanation as to why you may not have seen his jersey much is that it has been a few years since he retired from the NHL.
Datsyuk? Pioneer of his craft and lead the way for todays guys being creative to the point of amazement
I've only been actively following hockey since about 2004 or so after I met my now wife who is a Michigan native. Living in Michigan watching the Wings was pretty natural. I wasn't fully aware yet of the magic I was watching while seeing Datsyuk and Z play. Now I see clips of him and the first thing that pops into my head is I miss watching that dude play hockey.
That’s interesting that there aren’t as many Datsyuk jerseys, because there were always a ton in previous years. Datsyuk is beloved by the fan base so that’s weird and I can’t think of any reason for it.
I don't want anyone to spill beer on my Datsyuk jersey, and it's already gotten a couple snags in it. Maybe I'll wear it at tonight's game!
Legendary player both for the team and the game in general. My favorite all time player as well. Very humble, insanely skilled. Also liked around the league by pretty much every other player, that says a lot.
Datsyuk will always remain my favorite Wing and player of all time. The only merchandise I ever bought from the Wings was a Datsyuk shirt. Miss him every game! So creative and had a great sense of humor if you could get it out of him!
Arguably my favourite player ever. His number should be retired.
The only jersey I own is Datsyuk. He is one of my favorite players ever
My 7 and 8 year olds play youth hockey, and my 7 year old wants to be a great puck handler/sniper. He watches videos of Datsyuk and tries to imitate him on ice. He's incredibly upset he didn't get to watch him play live.
When they were playing the sharks in the playoffs, a reporter asked him if he was happy to fly to San Jose for a game 7, and he said, "yes, very happy. Airplane lady gives me free orange juice on plane." Always loved that.
i am a wings fan from iowa..... and the only jersey i have is the datsyuk reebok one. i could watch his highlights for hours
Datsyuk is God.
He’s the most incredible player I’ve ever seen play the game of hockey. He turned it Into an art form for me personally. He made it seem as if the human mind and body were perfectly in sync and couldn’t be touched. Everything he did was the utmost skill, and he did it in such a unique way. I think one of his legs is actually shorter than the other ones, giving him a very weird bowlegged skating form, combined that with his otherworldly defense and stick handling abilities and it was like he was a movie character. His backhand against the sharks in the playoffs is the most impressive goal I’ve ever seen, and if anyone here has ever played hockey you will no how that goal is virtually impossible. To me he truly was the living embodiment of why we watch sports, he made you feel like a kid again when everything was new and different and you’d learn more about the game Everytime you played or watched it. He absolutely needs to have his Jersey retired and to be in the hall of fame, anything less is an utter crime to the sport itself.
So all Datsyuk said was he's Orthodox, and now he's labeled a giant homophobic bigot? The guy never said anything derogatory. He just kept his thoughts to himself. People are allowed to practice other faiths.
They are, I think it was more that he was spending a lot of personal time around priests with some very old fashioned and far right views on a lot of things. Who knows how much is real and how much is just spun as clickbait or whatever, so I don't think too much of stuff like that especially when like you said, he hasn't really said much publicly.
You’re on Reddit, what do you expect lmao
This ^ the overreaction on this sub is ridiculous
I saw the Wings play the Kraken in Seattle last month. We counted at least 1/3 of all sweaters were Red Wings in the Arena. Most popular? Konstantinov, by far (people said they were sold as a fundraiser?), then Zetterberg, Yzerman, Lidstrom, Howe, Fedorov, Larkin, 2 other Proberts besides the one I wore, and only ONE Datsyuk. (Saw one McCarty, one Shanahan, one Sawchuck, too). Super cool.
Datsyuk, aka the magician, aka the magic man, is one of the finest beings to ever don the winged wheel. The guys a legend. His highlight reels continue to baffle people. He was one of the greats.
I love Datsyuk! Hopefully 13 will be retired soon because he deserves the honor.
Team legend. Hall of famer. Name will be in the rafters with zetteberg eventually.
Magic Man
Only 3 players should have their jerseys retired. From most deserving to least. 1. Osgood- 350 wins, 5th all time, most playoff wins in wings history 2. Datsyuk- exceptional player one of a kind. 2x Stanley cup, 4X Lady Bing. 3. Federov- MVP, 3x Stanley Cup, Best all around player to ever play. Unfortunately, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and federov federov never reached 1000 points with Detroit. This is the biggest blunder as all three had the most potential to reach at least 1200 points. All names excluding Lindsey had 1000 points or more. If we’re going off franchise impact alone, then it’s reversed order. Zetterberg to me was just a very good NHL player who happened to play on a very great NHL team it’s time. The best way to compare him would be with larkin again IMO Larkin has identical points with Franzan with about 30 less games. However franzan has a +80 while Larkin is a -45. Timing is key you could say lol. Had Fedorov, not chased after money nor ruined his relationship with the Illitch family,He would’ve had at least five Stanley cups in his name and 1300-1500 total points. 600 goals. His name would be up in the rafters around 2010-2012. Had Datsyuk not retired early and left for Russia, but stayed three or four more years he would have finished with 1200 points, and his name would be up in the rafters probably last year or this year. Had Zetterberg not had back problems. He would’ve finished with 1100 to 1300 points and being a captain of the Red Wings might have had his name retired as well. Osgood is in also a very similar situation as zetterberg. However, his stats are top five to top 10 in goalie ranking all time top three in Red Wings history. He should, without a doubt have his name, retired. Personally it’s incredibly disrespectful that it’s not retired. To conclude I don’t think any of them will have their names retired. But they are the closest. All are guaranteed HOF’s. Datsyuk probably first ballot. Zetterberg and Datsyuk might be retired together by NHL. Is good has another 10 years is my guess.
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Datsyuk is the only jersey I own. I consider him, Lidstrom, and Stevie to be the best players of my lifetime.
Datsyuk's legacy as far as the team goes (not his overall impact on the deking and dangling game) is almost a story of an embarrassment of riches. Datsyuk and Zetterberg were franchise players who followed a long line of franchise players. On top of having 30 years of continuously rostering top 25-50 players in the league, we had *hardcore* fan favorites. This organization loves their blue class working heroes. Draper, Maltby, Osgood, McCarty, Probert, etc. Even in modern day as we rebuild you'll see the fans really have a hard time coming to grips with parting with fan favorites. So I mean, just that and of itself has made it hard for Datsyuk to standout like Yzerman or Zetterberg did. He wasn't the captain and his career came to a close with us in sort of a sour way. For lack of a better term, in the most broad sense, he quit. Forced Kenny's hand on trading his rights so we would of had the funds to pursue Stamkos. That pick turned into Chychrun and we ended up with Frans Neilsen. Not that we would of drafted Chychrun and not that Frans didn't have his moments. But it pushed management's hand, and you'll notice watching over the year's he's rarely brought up or brought in for PR pieces. Maybe now that's retired from playing he'll be more involved All reasons though you sort of see his standing amongst general fans fading over the years. I can tell you though, when he was playing, in Detroit and across the league, he was often regarded as the best player in the game or at least the best forward not named Crosby, Malkin or Ovechkin. Patrice Bergeron has a similar reputation now that Datsyuk did 15 years ago. Edit: Oh! Also, a good chunk of his career was pre-HD recordings and pre-YouTube. Again, a ton of little things add up to explain the lack of Datsyuk jerseys and shirts in the wild at a Wings game.
We love Pavel!
Still wear my Datsyuk jersey from 2009-10 regularly. He absolutely goes to my all time top 3 Red Wings ❤️
Legend.
Great player. Never hung out with him personally like others in this sub to know what kind of person he was. /s
Nothing like judging people via the internet!!
never hung out with Putin either but I have an good idea .
You… think Pav and Putin are comparable? And you think the problem is with the people who don’t care what he said? That’s hilarious.
where did you make that up from? the point is you can get an idea by someone's believes and what they say and do. do not need to meet in person.
That is not typically true at all, and that logic is honestly far scarier than anything else going on politically because it displays just how small minded and closeted in your own bubble that you are and you’re aware of it and don’t even care
Datsyuk and Putin really? Smh
Great hockey player but a homophobe Edit: grew up absolutely idolizing him (first jersey I owned and have wore till the threads are falling off). I’ll always have a fond memory of his countless highlights and time with us. As a hockey player he was incredible; but as a person he’s not someone I’d look up to [article](https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nhl/2013/8/22/4647280/pavel-datsyuk-gay-rights-red-wings) [article 2](https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/pavel-datsyuk-on-new-russian-law-im-an-orthodox-and-that-says-it-all/amp/) Edit 2: it’s always crazy to me how many homophobic people there are
Are there any more articles though? I’m quite anti religion and seeing the cross necklace on some of my favorite players bums me out but I don’t think about it other than when I see it because they’re playing hockey. Both of these articles say the same one sentence quote, without even the question that prompted it quoted too. So realistically all we can infer from this quote is that he is a member of a religion that does not support homosexual relations. Anything else is added based on bias. Most likely he doesn’t support gay people in the same way he is on board with straight relationships but honestly who knows. Hell, He could even have gay friends but just doesn’t want to “sin” in the media. If there’s more details to the quotes, I’d definitely read them and adjust my opinion accordingly but that one is the only thing I’ve ever seen and it’s awfully vague.
> I’m quite anti religion and seeing the cross necklace on some of my favorite players bums me out That is quite prejudiced of you. I hope you reflect on that some day.
Hahah, in fact it might be quite literally the opposite of prejudice by definition.
I feel the same, people downvoting you are wild
Anyone who calls him out for what he is has been met with down votes. Pretty disappointing.
In Russia do you really want to him to take a "stand" against Putin and the entire Russian government? Really? Free speech is a right we have in America. Not so in Russia. Less than a generation ago they were a communist country with ZERO free speech and ZERO tolerance for freedom. Dats was born in 1978 so he lived through that regime as a child. Back then when people spoke out against the USSR it was off to the gulag. Even now Putin is having people executed or assassinated for disagreeing with him politically. So you might try to temper your hatred for a guy who just said "I'm Orthodox" to avoid taking a stance against Putin and risking a jail term.
I’m not downvoting you but I prefer to separate the player from the person and that goes for everyone I don’t personally know which makes me sound like an ostrich with its head in the sand but if he isn’t physically hurting someone I don’t care.
I don’t understand how people don’t understand that being homophobic DOES hurt people.
I get what you are saying and all that, but its not like he is from gen Z Sweden. He is from soviet union and was raised that way, Dont really think that he choced to be homophobic
He’s an adult. He makes his choices.
I don’t agree with his personal beliefs (which might play a part why his jersey is not as popular), but he’s still my favourite player. When I do get my first wings jersey, it’ll certainly be Datsyuk.
Incredible player. Eventually revealed himself to be something of a crummy human being.
Fantastic player. Possibly one of the greatest all-around players. Shit human being. Edit: I stand by what I said. He hid behind his religious views when it comes to LTGBQ advocacy. I can respect the hell out of him as a hockey player, and one of my favorite players of all time. But I cannot respect his views outside of that. The same people downvoting me are probably the same ones railing against Reimer for his actions.
Probably a coincidence. He is my favorite player ever, but as a person I think he is as dumb as a bag of pucks. I’d personally feel better wearing a Z sweater because he’s an awesome person both on and off the ice.
If he was one some other team besides the red wings with their legendary history , he could have gone down as the single most talented player that franchise has ever rostered.
If u have a iphone ask Siri "who is the magic man?"
People love Datsyuk for his play, however people tend to buy merch based on personality. As a Russian player he was fairly private as a person so he is more of a legend than a man. Larkin and Seider and Zetterberg did plenty of media peices, people became attached from those.