A special announcement on Detroit Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk has been made official

Pavel Datsyuk's career in the NHL began during the 2001-02 season. The year the Red Wings won another Stanley Cup.

The "magic man" is known for his silky-smooth moves, hands, and took breaking ankles to a new level.

His on-ice wizardry has been celebrated by millions, as he wowed hockey crowds every night, wearing the iconic winged wheel. Datsyuk played 953 games in the NHL, all of them with the team that drafted him, the Red Wings.

He'd win two Stanley Cups, and his play style would earn him three Selke Trophies in the NHL. The Sverdlovsky, Russian-born forward, is the king of player we all wish to be.

Now, we wish him a happy birthday!

Datsyuk, now 46 years old, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024. He was originally drafted 171st overall in the 7th round of the 1998 NHL Draft. He was the kind of bargain pick that comes across a GM's table once in a lifetime.

His skills brought joy to the hearts of Red Wings and hockey fans everywhere, as we got to see him perform every night.

We wish him a happy 46th birthday and hope he enjoys his life doing whatever brings joy to his life in this moment.

Datsyuk played 953 games in the NHL, scored 918 points (314-604) in the NHL, and won three Selke Trophies (2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10) and four Lady Byng Trophies (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09) in his career.

In addition to two Stanley Cups, he is a legend, and today is the day to celebrate his life.