DETROIT - As much as Pavel Datsyuk longs to return to Russia permanently after this season, there still is a chance he could be back with the Detroit Red Wings to fulfill the final year of his contract.

Datsyuk's agent, Dan Milstein, indicated that Datsyuk's final decision will come after the playoffs.

"There's still a meeting with (general manager) Ken Holland and perhaps ownership of the team," Milstein told MLive on Sunday. "They had a similar sit-down last summer.

"Up until he sits down with them, it's not a done deal."

Datsyuk made it sound like his mind was made up in an interview with Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press, saying "I'm thinking I go home after this season. I may not be done with hockey, but -- it is hard to say-- I think I am done playing in NHL."

Holland said he would have no comment on the matter until after the playoffs. The Red Wings' first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning starts Wednesday at Amalie Arena.

The Red Wings did not practice Sunday. Datsyuk was not available for comment.

Milstein was asked why Datsyuk chose to reveal his intentions now and risk becoming a distraction, rather than wait until after the postseason.

"As rumors started to circulate he didn't want to add any more distractions to the team," Milstein said. "He wanted to get it off his chest.

"There's no right time or wrong time. Originally he wasn't going to (say) anything until after the meeting with Ken and ownership but the rumors started and it became a big distraction. Pavel made the decision that fans and teammates needed to hear it now so they can all continue in the playoffs. He wanted to be truthful and honest with the fans."

Milstein said this is not a ploy to gain leverage in negotiations for a contract extension.

"I'm willing to put everything on the line in saying that it is absolutely not about getting another extension," Milstein said. "If he wanted that the team would accommodate him. I can assure you absolutely, positively it has nothing to do with getting another extension."

Datsyuk, who turns 38 on July 20, has been contemplating a return to Russia since 2012, before he signed a three-year extension in 2013, which actually kicked in during the 2014-15 season.

It's all about family, Milstein said. Datsyuk missed seeing his 13-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who lives in Russia with Datsyuk's ex-wife, Svetlana. Datsyuk has since remarried.

"It's been very difficult for Pavel the last three years to come back (to the U.S.)," Milstein said. "The summers are short. After he gets to Russia there is less than two months.

"He has camps to run, so he's spending time away from his daughter. It is very difficult for him to be away from her. She was here during the All-Star break. It was heartbreaking seeing him say good-bye to her as she left for Russia."

Datsyuk also will be hosting a skill development camp in Detroit from June 17-24, regardless of what decision he makes about his future.

Because Datsyuk's contract took effect when he was over 35, his $7.5 million salary would remain on the cap even if he retires from the NHL.

The Red Wings, however, surely would attempt to trade his rights to a team that needs to reach the cap floor, such as the Arizona Coyotes. That club's cap number would increase without having to pay the player.

"Both Pavel and I would work with the Red Wings to do whatever is necessary to address the salary cap situation in any way possible," Milstein said. "He feels bad. He feels the team has been loyal to him."

Milstein said now Datsyuk can fully concentrate on hockey.

"Hopefully this is something that will energize the team so they can go and have a great Stanley Cup run," Milstein said. "Pavel always plays at the highest level, but this will hopefully give him a little extra motivation."

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