Red Wings icon Pavel Datsyuk was in Detroit last week. He was helping out as a guest instuctor at the club’s development camp, basking in the thrill of his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“I’m still recognizing I’m there and it’s hard to believe,” Datsyuk said of the Hall call. “Of course, I feel like I’m a lucky boy.”
Former Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek is also speaking about Datsyuk’s Hall of Fame status and let’s just say he’s tempering his excitement level
It’s not that on merit, Hasek isn’t of the opinion that Datsyuk was someone who was enjoying a Hall of Fame career while playing for the Red Wings. The duo were teammates on Detroit’s 2001-02 Stanley Cup winner. That team often garners consideration as one of the best ever assembled in NHL history.
In fact, Hasek describes Datsyuk’s career as “outstanding.”
“With his excellent performances and everything he has done for hockey, Pavel undoubtedly deserves a place in the HHOF,” Hasek posted on X. That’s the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
Russian Political Situation Issue For Former Red Wings Icon
It’s the timing of Datsyuk’s Hall of Fame appointment that causing disillusionment for Hasek. Considering the political situation in Russia and broken relationships between the country and the rest of the world since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hasek believes it’s the wrong time to be putting a Russian athlete on a pedestal.
“It must be said that every public appearance of a Russian citizen who has not officially condemned the Russian imperialist war and other crimes connected with it (including the genocide of Ukrainian children) is automatically a huge advertisement for the Russian war and other Russian crimes,” Hasek points out.
Datsyuk’s views on the situation in his homeland are unknown. During his recent meeting with media at Little Caesars Arena, there was one stipulation. Datsyuk wasn’t going to be speaking about the political atmosphere in Russia.
Datsyuk lives in Russia. He works for Avtomobilist in the KHL. Even if he did oppose the war, it certainly wouldn’t be in his best interests to say so.
Datsyuk In Difficult Position
Hasek is recognizing the difficult position Datsyuk’s Hall induction is creating for his old teammate.
“I don’t know if Pavel plans to condemn the Russian war in the coming months and, above all, if he is able to do it,” Hasek acknowledged. “However, it must be said that if he doesn’t, his appearance at the award ceremony (since he is a Russian citizen) will be a huge advertisement for the Russian war and Russian crimes.”
Hasek also is calling the Hockey Hall of Fame to task. He believes extending an invitation to Datsyuk to the November enshrinement ceremony. The Hall of Fame goalie views it as akin to a tacit approval of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“Your choice will show the whole world how much you value human life, even if it’s on the other side of the globe,” Hasek wrote.
