Pavel Datsyuk calls out Steve Yzerman and the current team in Detroit: "Red Wings lack leaders"
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings' fan base certainly isn't pleased with the team's current progression and their nine-year playoff drought, and it appears that 'The Magicican', Pavel Datsyuk, isn't either.
Pavel Datsyuk returned to the Detroit Red Wings organization in 2024 after several years away, attending their development camp and helping with on-ice drills.
«It was an interesting experience for me - and I hope for them too,»
- Datsyuk
- Datsyuk
Detroit, being one of the most historic Original Six franchises in the NHL, with 25 straight years of making the playoffs and also Stanley Cup Wins in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, remains in a rough, nine-season playoff drought.
Young stars such as Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and even Marco Kasper show hope, but according to Datsyuk, the Red Wings are missing something bigger than those players.
And it all falls on Steve Yzerman, who's failed to provide the appropriate team to snap their playoff drought, many believe.
"Perhaps what the team lacks is standout leaders - but that's true not only for Detroit, it applies to hockey in general. Players are maturing more slowly these days, and some never mature at all, staying teenagers forever.»
- Datsyuk
- Datsyuk
He than relays some assertion to fans, that the current length of their rebuild is totally normal considering the organization was on top for a long time.
«The Red Wings were at the top for a long time, winning many titles, so it's understandable that their rebuild is taking more time than usual. They say a rebuild takes about seven years, but since Detroit was so high up, the road back to the top takes even longer. Now Detroit has a great arena, which is already a big plus."
- Datsyuk
Datsyuk discussed several other topics in his interview with RG.Org, including playing alongside Lidstrom, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, and more.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 11 | 500 ANSWERS Pavel Datsyuk calls out Steve Yzerman and the current team in Detroit: "Red Wings lack leaders" Do you think Pavel Datsyuk's call-out targets Dylan Larkin, who's the Detroit Red Wings' current captain? | ||
| Yes | 377 | 75.4 % |
| No | 123 | 24.6 % |
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