The Detroit Red Wings are home to many of hockey’s biggest legends. From Gordie Howe to Steve Yzerman, few teams are able to call upon as many legends as Hockeytown. Pavel Datsyuk, one of the most iconic of Detroit’s legends, had a lot to say about his former team in an interview with RG.
“The Red Wings were at the top for a long time, winning many titles, so it’s understandable that their rebuild is taking more time than usual,” Datsyuk explains. “They say a rebuild takes about seven years, but since Detroit was so high up, the road back to the top takes even longer.”
Datsyuk spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings, racking up 918 points in 953 career games, two Stanley Cups, three Selke trophies and four Lady Byng trophies. He’s widely recognized as one of the greatest two-way players of all time. Datsyuk is so iconic that creative passes and plays are often referred to as “Datsyukian” by announcers.
Datsyuk Knows What Red Wings Need for Success
The biggest roadblock Datsyuk sees for the Red Wings is in standout leadership. “Now Detroit has a great arena, which is already a big plus. Perhaps what the team lacks is standout leaders – but that’s true not only for Detroit, it applies to hockey in general. Players are maturing more slowly these days, and some never mature at all, staying teenagers forever.”
When asked about the advice he’d give captain Dylan Larkin, Datsyuk sung his praises. “It’s hard to give advice when I haven’t seen him in 10 years,” he says. “I played with him when he was still very young. A lot of time has passed. He stands out now, already an experienced and mature player. He understands everything. As a team, they probably just lack confidence.”
The Red Wings finished their ninth consecutive season outside the playoffs last year. Larkin, 29, experienced the playoffs as a rookie but hasn’t made his return yet.
Datsyuk Offers Bold Take on 2025-26 Season
Datsyuk thinks highly of his former teammates Steve Yzerman and Lidstrom Having them in the front office, he says, should help the team long-term. “They keep the core principles that made them champions but are building the team according to modern hockey trends,” Datsyuk says. “You can’t do it the old way anymore – the game has changed a lot: the rules, the business, and the style of play. I hope they’re starting slow now but will speed up soon.”
His boldest prediction, however, came at the end of the interview. When asked about how the season will go for the Red Wings, he had this to say: “Here’s my prediction – Detroit will reach the conference final. As for [the Florida Panthers], which has won two Stanley Cups, it will be hard to win a third in a row. I think it will be very difficult for them – partly because of the short summer, and also because motivation won’t be quite the same.”
Detroit kicks off the 2025-26 season against the Montreal Canadiens on October 9th.
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