Red Wings Sign Datsyuk to Seven-Year Extension

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Friday that they have signed forward Pavel Datsyuk to a seven-year contract extension.

Datsyuk, the team’s leading scorer with 27 goals and 60 assists for 87 points, had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

“Pavel is one of the world’s most skilled players and has developed into a bona fide superstar over the past two seasons,” said Detroit general manager Ken Holland. “We think securing Pavel, who is moving into the prime of his career, is key to ensuring the long-term success of this franchise.”

There had been prior reports that he was interested in signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins or Washington Captials to play with fellow Russians Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin.

“I am very pleased to announce that I am continuing my hockey career with the Detroit Red Wings by signing a seven-year contract,” said Datsyuk. “This contract was extremely important to me. Especially since I have been a Red Wing since 2001.”

Financial terms of the deal were not announced but TSN of Canada reports that Datsyuk will earn between $6 and 7 million a season.