Datsyuk said Thursday that he was feeling "awesome" while working his way back from ankle surgery, Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News reports.

Analysis:

Datsyuk is scheduled to meet with a doctor soon to get an update on his condition, which could come with a projected timetable for his return. The Red Wings are already ruling out the star center for the start of the 2015-16 campaign, but if doctors are able to further legitimize Datsyuk's own positive outlook, it's possible that he may only have to miss a handful of regular-season contests.