Key Takeaways
- Pavel Datsyuk is set to host “The Magic Game” in Yekaterinburg, featuring NHL stars like Kovalchuk, Kaprizov, and Fedorov.
- He believes Detroit’s rebuild is taking longer due to their long run of dominance, but predicts a conference final berth by 2026.
- Datsyuk weighs in on his No. 13 jersey, praises Leon Draisaitl, and says he prefers the old NHL dress code for player discipline.
Pavel Datsyuk at his HOF induction (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Pavel Datsyuk has been called many things over his career – magician, artist, legend. On August 30, he will add “event organizer” to that list, hosting The Magic Game in his hometown of Yekaterinburg. The All-Star spectacle will feature some of hockey’s most recognizable names: Ilya Kovalchuk, Kirill Kaprizov, Sergei Fedorov, and others.
“This is a new area for me,” Datsyuk admits in an interview with RG. “The hockey part is the fun part, but there are many organizational issues we need to handle. Fortunately, we have a great team, and we’ll make this a celebration at a brand-new, modern arena. I wanted to invite many people, but some couldn’t make it. I’ll be happy to see and talk with everyone who comes.”
The match will be staged in his hometown, on the ice where he formally ended his playing career in 2021.
“Red Wings Lack Standout Leaders”
In the summer of 2024, Datsyuk returned to the Detroit Red Wings, the club he starred for from 2001 to 2016, attending their development camp.
“It was an interesting experience for me – and I hope for them too,” he says.
Detroit, once the NHL’s model franchise with 25 straight playoff appearances and Stanley Cups in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008, remains in a drawn-out rebuild. They missed the postseason again in 2024–25 – their ninth straight absence – despite late-season wins over playoff teams like New Jersey. Young stars Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider give hope, but the climb back is steep.
“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. 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.”
On Yzerman, Lidström, And Modern Hockey
Today’s Red Wings are built by familiar hands: Steve Yzerman as general manager, Nicklas Lidström in hockey operations.
“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.”
Captain Dylan Larkin is now the face of the team. Datsyuk played alongside him in Larkin’s rookie year.
“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.”
Number 13 in The Rafters?
Many Red Wings fans believe that Datsyuk’s No. 13 jersey should have been retired long ago. After all, he is already a member of every possible Hall of Fame – the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, the IIHF Hall of Fame, and the Russian Hockey Hall of Fame.
“I’ve never really thought about it. Sometimes people ask me… Sometimes the thought crosses my mind, but nothing concrete. If I went to every game and looked up at the rafters, that would be different. But what if someone takes number 13 now and plays really well? Then they’ll remember me even more often. So I’d be happy if someone played well wearing 13 in Detroit.”
Current NHL Stars And Style
When pressed to name the best player today, Datsyuk doesn’t default to the obvious answer.
This admiration between Datsyuk and Draisaitl goes both ways. Back in 2019, Draisaitl admitted that Datsyuk was his favorite player and that he modeled his game after the Magic Man.
The NHL has recently relaxed its dress code, ending the long-standing rule that required players to wear suits and ties to games. Starting in the 2025 season, players will have greater freedom to showcase their personal style and embrace modern fashion trends.
“I would prefer if it still existed. It keeps you organized and disciplined,” says Datsyuk. “I used to wear suits – I liked it. There are fewer reasons to do that now. Henrik Zetterberg liked to dress up. Nicklas Lidström dressed in a classic style. In general, everyone tried to stand out, but Europeans brought their own sense of fashion.”
Predictions And Prospects
Looking ahead to 2026, Datsyuk offers a bold forecast: “Here’s my prediction – Detroit will reach the conference final. As for Florida, 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.”
He also has praise for Montreal Canadiens’ forward Ivan Demidov: “A humble guy. We talked a year ago. I’m not sure what’s happened to him over the past year in SKA (laughs). But he’s cheeky on the ice. He’s fun to watch. I wish there were more players like him.”
