Detroit City Wire

DETROIT – Mike Gartner, Chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced today that former Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk has been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame Honored Membership in the Player Category.

Datsyuk, elected in his first year of eligibility, played 14 seasons with the Red Wings from 2001-2016. He ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders with 953 games played (T9th), 314 goals (8th), 604 assists (6th), 918 points (7th), a plus-249 rating (3rd), 97 power play goals (9th), 330 power play points (6th), eight overtime goals (5th), 51 game-winning goals (8th) and 2,244 shots (9th). The 45-year-old led Detroit's scoring for six consecutive seasons from 2003-04 to 2009-10, including back-to-back 97-point campaigns in 2007-08 and 2008-09. Datsyuk was honored as one of the NHL’s "100 Greatest Players" during the league’s centennial celebration in 2017.

“I would like to congratulate Pavel on his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Red Wings Governor and CEO Christopher Ilitch. “Pavel was one of the most talented players in league history and had Red Wings fans around the world on the edge of their seats every time he touched the puck. Throughout his career, he was consistently recognized for his stellar defensive play, a testament to how great of an all-around talent he truly was. The ‘Magic Man’ created so many incredible memories for our fans and played an integral part in bringing two Stanley Cup championships to the city of Detroit. Congratulations again, Pavel, on this tremendous achievement.”

Datsyuk helped the Red Wings clinch 14 consecutive Stanley Cup playoff berths and ranks among the team’s all-time postseason leaders with 157 games played (8th), 42 goals (T8th), 71 assists (5th), 113 points (6th), a plus-34 rating (4th),15 power play goals (T6th),38 power play points(T7th) seven game-winning goals(T10th)and424 shots(5th). He was a member of Detroit’s Stanley Cup-winning team as a rookie in 2002, collecting six points(3-3-6)in21postseason contests.Datsyuk also guided the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship in2008 recording23points(10-13-23)in22playoff matchups including a hat trick in Game3of the2008Western Conference Final against Dallas Stars.

Selected by Red Wings in sixth round(171st overall)of1998NHL Entry Draft,Datsyuk made his NHL debut in2001-02and played in2002NHL YoungStars Game.He was named to NHL’s Second All-Star Team in2008-09after recording97points(32-65-97)a plus34rating,and22penalty minutes81games.Datsyuk was selected four NHL All-Star Games(2004,200820092012 though did not participate edition due injury.Datsyuk named recipient Lady Byng Memorial Trophy four consecutive times from05to08presented annually “to player adjudged exhibited best type sportsmanship gentlemanly conduct combined high standard playing ability.”He also earned Frank J.Selke Trophy as NHL top defensive forward three successive seasons07to09Additionally won Plus-Minus Award07leading skaters with plus41rating.

“Congratulations to Pavel on this extremely well-deserved honor,” said Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman.“Pavel’s world-class skills made him one best one-on-one players all time,but high-end compete work ethic separated peers.He dynamic force excelled both ends ice situations exceptional player will rightfully take place amongst game greats November.”

A native Yekaterinburg,Russia,Datsyuk is also member exclusive Triple Gold Club winning gold medal representing country at2012IIHF World Championship Helsinki Finland Stockholm Sweden before captaining Olympic Athletes Russia gold medal18Winter Olympics Pyeongchang South Korea.Datsyuk captured silver medal at2010IIHF World Championship named tournament best forward after logging seven points six games.On international stage competed five Winter Olympics02to18seven IIHF World Championships01to18two World Cup Hockey events04

Induction Weekend festivities will run from Friday Nov.8 through Sunday Nov.10 culminating with Induction Celebration Monday Nov11 Toronto Ont.