Datsyuk's agent doesn't tip hand as to client's future

Pavel Datsyuk's agent, Dan Milstein, failed to offer anything concrete when asked about the decorated Detroit Red Wings center's NHL future one day after it was reported he was considering a return to Russia next season.

"Pavel has one more year left on his NHL contract," Milstein wrote in an email to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. "We will sit down with Ken Holland at the conclusion of the season for our annual year-end meeting.

"Pavel is very determined to play and show his best game while helping, assisting, and motivating his team into the playoffs and another Stanley Cup."

While Datsyuk's focus is on the present - which could very well be limited to three games despite the Red Wings' current third-place standing in the Atlantic - fans and onlookers can't help but look ahead to what it means beyond this spring.

Detroit will be on the hook for Datsyuk's $7.5-million cap hit (he's set to earn $5.5 million in real dollars) if he decides to return home to tend to personal matters, or otherwise.