Red Wings may lose one of their best players-Datsyuk

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Red Wings' Datsyuk signs with Russian team

September 6, 2005

DETROIT (AP) -- Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk has signed with Russian Super League team Avangard Omsk, but it was unclear whether the deal contained an ``out clause'' that might allow him to remain with his NHL team.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Datsyuk's agent, Gary Greenstin, told him Monday of the signing with the Russian team.

Holland said he was awaiting details of the contract.

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``Everything depends on the out clause,'' Holland said.

Holland said he spent much of the weekend talking and negotiating with Greenstin.

There was no immediate word of what Datsyuk, a 27-year-old restricted free agent, would get from the Russian team. Detroit has offered Datsyuk about $3 million to $4 million, the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News said.

``When you lose a guy like Pavel, you're losing a guy you're counting on for a lot of offense,'' Holland said.

Detroit is $7 million under its $39 million salary cap with four roster spots open.

During the NHL lockout last season, Datsyuk played for Moscow Dynamo, scoring 23 goals in 57 regular-season and playoff games. He had 42 goals and 77 assists during the past two regular seasons with the Red Wings.

The Red Wings open training camp Sept. 11 in Traverse City.

[stormshadow19]

**** him. If he doesn't want five million from the Wings, then he's not worth it. **** him.

[The Gun Of Bavaria]

Let me ge this staight,

Pavel "I had one decent year" Datsuyk wants $5 mil a year but in reality has done nothing, specially in the playoffs. He wants Thornton cash as his agent described it.

- Now that's funny

Enjoy Siberia Pavel