Skip to content

Agent: Datsyuk declined $2M bonus in February

Dave Reginek / National Hockey League / Getty

Pavel Datsyuk's agent says the veteran forward passed on cashing in a signing bonus that would have made him $2 million richer.

Dan Milstein told reporters Saturday that Datsyuk made $15 million over the first two years of his most recent contract, and didn't take the bonus he was due in February, according to NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika.

Datsyuk announced Saturday he's leaving the Red Wings and returning to Russia to play in the KHL.

Milstein later clarified that the bonus was contingent on Datsyuk playing the final year of his deal, and that they informed the Red Wings he was considering forgoing it.

He signed a three-year extension with the club in June 2013, at an annual cap hit of $7.5 million.

The agent also clarified Saturday that the bonus would have had no impact on the $7.5 million cap charge.

Milstein said Saturday he expects the Red Wings to be able to trade the contract.

Because Datsyuk inked the extension after turning 35, the final year will count against the cap for whichever team takes it on.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox