Pavel Datsyuk accomplished a lot during his 14 seasons in the NHL.
He helped Detroit win the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008. Earned three Selke trophies as the league’s best defensive forward. Picked up four Lady Byng trophies for his gentlemanly and effective play.
And was part of a team that nearly managed what has become all but impossible: Winning the Cup in consecutive seasons.
His Red Wings beat the Penguins in six games in the 2008 final, then took the Penguins to seven games before losing the following season.
That’s the closest any club has come to claiming back-to-back Cup titles since Detroit did it in 1997 and 1998.