Wings Name Datsyuk Alternate Captain

George Malik blogs that Helene St. James of the Free Press reports that Pavel Datsyuk has been named an alternate captain for the coming season.

The Red Wings decided this summer to utilize three alternates this season, rewarding Datsyuk for his playoff leadership.

“We’re going to name him one of our assistant captains because we think he’s a big part of our leadership group,” coach Mike Babcock said. “We want Datsyuk to understand that.”

As only two alternate captains (or three if the team captain is not present) can be in the lineup at one time, the team will work out rotation to share two As among Datsyuk, Kris Draper, and Henrik Zetterberg.