Datsyuk talks surgery, fatherhood in Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY -- Pavel Datsyuk is at training camp with the Detroit Red Wings, but he remains out of action for the foreseeable future.

Datsyuk was at Centre Ice Arena while teammates underwent physicals this morning, in preparation for Friday's start of the four-day camp. Datsyuk isn't on any of the three-group rosters, though, because he underwent ankle surgery June 26. He is to see the doctor who performed the surgery, Robert Andersen, for a checkup next week.

Datsyuk said he is waiting for advice from Dr. Andersen as to what comes next. "When I see him, probably he let me know."

He said he has been able to maintain some conditioning, but no "run, jump, but everything else."

Datsyuk, who missed the start of last season with a shoulder injury, was hurt late last regular season, when he blocked a shot. Doctors thought off-season rest would take care of the problem, but when pain lingered, surgery was scheduled. The team doesn't expect Datsyuk back before November.

"I'm not guessing," Datsyuk said. "I am just waiting to hear from professional when I can start skating, and then we see. Day by day."

What does help Datsyuk's recovery is being a father to two daughters. Asked whether he had any advice for good friend Henrik Zetterberg, who became a first-time father in August, Datsyuk smiled. "Kids are everything," he said. "They make us happy, every time."

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.