nccanes
06-26-2003, 03:16 PM
DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings signed Pavel Datsyuk to a one-year contract with an option for another season Thursday.
Datsyuk had 12 goals and 39 assists last season in 64 games. Datsyuk was a restricted free agent and Russian teams -- including his former team Ak Bars Kazan -- had inquired about Datsyuk returning home to play in the Russian Elite League.
``We're all very happy to have Pavel back,'' general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. ``He is a part of a group of young and talented players who are important to the balance and makeup of our team.''
Datsyuk had 12 goals and 39 assists last season in 64 games. Datsyuk was a restricted free agent and Russian teams -- including his former team Ak Bars Kazan -- had inquired about Datsyuk returning home to play in the Russian Elite League.
``We're all very happy to have Pavel back,'' general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. ``He is a part of a group of young and talented players who are important to the balance and makeup of our team.''