Pavel Datsyuk is returning to Detroit after three years, and a stop at Little Caesars Arena is on the agenda.

As a tourist, though. For now.

Datsyuk and his family are scheduled to arrive Thursday from their native Russia, Datsyuk’s agent, Daniel Milstein, told the Free Press. It’s an opportunity for Datsyuk to show his two daughters and son where he lived for 15 years while playing for the Detroit Red Wings, as well as decide where Datsyuk will continue his hockey career.

Milstein emphasized he has had no conversations with new Wings general manager Steve Yzerman regarding Datsyuk. Datsyuk left the Wings in June of 2016 with a year left on his contract because he wanted to play in his homeland.

He’s spent the last three years playing for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL, and isn’t ready to retire even as he’s closing in on his 41st birthday in July.

“He would only play for the Detroit Red Wings if he is in the NHL,” Milstein said.

But there is KHL option, too: Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in Datsyuk’s hometown. That’s where his oldest daughter, Elizabeth, 16, resides. Vasilisa, 5, and Pavel Jr, 2, reside with Datsyuk and his second wife, Maria.

The Wings traded Datsyuk’s old NHL contract to the Arizona Coyotes in the summer of 2016 to gain salary cap relief, and the Coyotes own Datsyuk’s rights until June 30.

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Would Datsyuk interest the Wings? Maybe.

At most he’d be signed to a one-year deal, in the $3-4 million range (with bonuses). He’s an instantly recognizable name that should draw fans to seats. He’s slowed down physically, but the mental part of his game has not faded. He was nearly a point-a-game player in the KHL, producing 147 points (104 assists) in 166 games. He could fill a role centering the third line (and probably help old linemate Justin Abdelkader rediscover some of his scoring touch) or as a winger, as well as play on the power play.

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There is room on the roster to add Datsyuk. Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi have all earned top-six roles. Other regulars under contract for next season include Abdelkader, Frans Nielsen, Darren Helm and Luke Glendening. Jacob de la Rose is expected to be back after surgery to address a cardiac situation. Taro Hirose used 10 games to show he may be able to make the Wings better.

Datsyuk hasn’t been to Detroit since leaving three years ago. Maybe he ends up playing a farewell season in the one NHL city that became his hometown, but it is just as likely he plays in his Russian hometown.

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.