The summer before Pavel Datsyuk’s rookie season with the Detroit Red Wings, Ken Holland showed him around an empty Joe Louis Arena after development camp and delivered a simple message. “He goes, ‘If you practice hard,

Detroit — Pavel Datsyuk does have one particular memory of coming to Detroit and joining the Red Wings' organization. And when Datsyuk tells it now, it's staggering to think exactly how far Datsyuk has come.

This just in, the Detroit Red Wings have signed Hockey Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk to a one day contract, enabling him to go down in history as a member of the team. Check it out: Kudos to GM Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings for doing this.

Before the Red Wings honoured Datsyuk’s Hall of Fame induction with a pre-game ceremony, the now 46-year-old unretired and signed a symbolic one-day contract with the only NHL franchise he ever knew.

Datsyuk, 46, gained entry his first year of eligibility after retiring in 2021 following five seasons in the KHL. His credentials include two Stanley Cup championships and three Selke Trophies as the NHL’s top defensive forward. He is a member of the elusive Triple Gold Club, having won a Cup, Olympic gold medal and World Championship.

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will celebrate Pavel Datsyuk Hockey Hall of Fame Night when they host the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

Red Wings honor Pavel Datsyuk's Hall of Fame induction