The NHL Career of Pavel Datsyuk

Alright, this one has been requested more than a few times, so here is a video on his career.
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[@Thorin7]

"These career videos don't do very well." Screw them, I love them. 😂

[@The_Bear21]

I love the career videos.

[@KnightGallant]

That deke on Turco is still the stuff of legends.

[@damianclyde9250]

sorry to be offtopic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

[@alexandersam1696]

@Damian Clyde instablaster :)

[@WhiteDude-yd6ws]

He was called the Magic Man for good reason

[@ackrgaul]

Best hands ever

[@paveldatsyuk7175]

a true innovator and leader of the nhl. nice to hear shannan talk about him being the best from that era cause i always make that argument haha

[@dyslxeic]

I love Pavel Datsyuk, he is my favourite player and he never seemed hungry for attention. Looked at his stats and only had 1 year with a plus/minus in minus (-2), he was a real team player!

[@seancccccccc]

The magic man!

[@nevilleneville6518]

Not just my favourite player of all time, but my favourite athlete of all time. I describe him to non hockey fans as "imagine if Lionel Messi was the best defensive midfielder in the world"

[@bozidarborojevic4131]

He was more of a Ronaldinho of hockey pure magic

[@thefamilymans2545]

I explain him to non hockey fans as the Michael Jordan of hockey, in regards to his entertainment and skill! NICE

[@babyface76]

Datsyuk could've easily scored another 20-30 points every year, but winning and being a complete two-way player was most important.

[@klompsauce]

Best two-way player I've ever seen. Honestly, I have watched a lot of hockey over the years, he did things I hadn't seen and haven't again.

[@bryanchester290]

The National Hockey League Players Association and Hockey Night in Canada teamed to poll 250 players about their thoughts on other players and Datsyuk was ranked No. 1 in six of 15 categories. Datsyuk was voted the smartest player with 45 percent of the vote, most difficult to play against with 26 percent, hardest to take the puck from with 47 percent, toughest forward to play against with 25 percent, cleanest player with 21 percent, and the most difficult to stop according to 24 percent of goalies.

[@lancecrossan9343]

One of the most complete players ever. 97 points in the mid-late 90's while winning the Selkes. And can undress most defencemen in a phone booth.

[@guybunchofnumbers123]

90's?

[@marcpell133]

He never played in the 90’s

[@carterwebster5866]

@@marcpell133 he was drafted in 98 by the redwings but didn’t play for them until 2000

[@johnmccracken8617]

My favourite ever player. Got me hooked on ice hockey especially being a young lad from scotland! So inventive with the puck... and also without! Thank you 🐙

[@ScarecrOmega]

Yes! I was waiting for this. One of my favorite players all time and THE most exciting player to watch.

[@psynque]

The best Ice Hockey player I have ever had the privilege to see play. Thank you Datsyuk. Don't @ me about any of those Canadians.

[@delta927canadien-francais5]

psynque datsyuk is a goat

[@IsakLarsson]

feel like it’s also important mentioning Datsyuk was in the NHL’s 100 greatest players list, in case anyone doesn’t know. He was immence!

[@dennisgasper104]

I repeat what has been said many times... Best hands ever and so creative with his skating and puck handling. Thank You Shannon.

[@Khorney]

Datsyuk was voted by the players themselves to be the toughest player in the league to get off the puck. What awesome stickhandling he had.

[@danglesnipecelly13]

Oh man as a wings fan don’t even get me started! Pavel My favorite player of all time! One of if not the best 2 way center to ever play the game!! Dude was a straight up magician! I met him and took a picture with him a while back he was so damn nice!

[@slipperyseal95]

I’m a hockey player but also played soccer. I ran into him at a soccer field and had the honor to juggle with him.

[@VompoVompatti]

Datsyuk and Lindström together turned me into a Detroit fan. (Not my only team so no need to feel sorry for me). I always played dman as a kid and as a teen I became a winger (physical reasons). I was never a big scorer but I'd like to think my defensive play was strong which made my respect the hell out of the defensive part of the game.

[@VompoVompatti]

@Dixie Wrecked Whoops... Lidström :D

[@caseyblack8192]

Watching him with the puck was just the best. He is by far my favorite player of all time.

[@nathanielgilson194]

My favorite player of all time!

[@Yourtube1213]

Thanks for the the positive red wings content so I can remember the good times before we were dead last in the league

[@klompsauce]

We were in the similar spot before we started Stephen Gregory Yzerman, we will return to glory.

[@Lon808]

from '07-'10 datsyuk was the best player in the league and you wont be able to change my mind

[@mikebizoune233]

Defenitely, and he's the best 2 way center of all time in my opinion. Bergeron never been as good as Datsyuk defensively, and one of the main reason he won the selke so many time in the last 10 years is because Datsyuk was injured almost every year

[@patrickmattes4935]

Shannon, Datsyuk = amazing player/worth the price of admission! Incredible hands and vision. This is from a Blackhawks fan. I love players who play with style and class. Nik Lidstrom is in this category. Glad you gave Pavel his due. (Patrick from Chicago)

[@BloggerMusicMan]

One of the most well-rounded, unique talents in NHL history. Not just a supremely skilled defensive player, as you said, but also one of the game's most clean, agile, and skilled forwards as well. You don't have your dekes called "Datsyukian" for nothing. One of my favourite players ever to watch.

[@juhaleskinen7383]

My all time favourite player.

[@mazukakai]

THE MAN. Complete player, and he played the game the right way. When he was on the ice, he was who you watched. Never took a shift off. I watched him walk thru the entire Predators team. One of my favorite players ever, and he always made me smile.

[@vickiem.6096]

Thank you Shannon. It helps me to remember how great we used to be instead of just dwelling on how lost we are now. Pavel and Captain Z were phenomenal! Wings Fan.

[@ryanschlaud]

The guy was unreal. One of the best 2 way players to play the game. He could have scored way more than he did but he focused so much on defensive prowess. Team players, will miss him. LGRW

[@tomchamberlain4329]

2nd favourite player ever after the captain. Both of them are the definitive Wings player. We don't want the Art Ross players, we want the cup winners

[@bosskey7212]

Not only best hands and skills I've ever seen, but, one of the best defensive players of all time as well. That often gets overlooked with Datsyuk, he was a shutdown player and often matched with some of the best Centers in the NHL. A true all around player who could play in any situation and was absolutely terrifying on the penalty kill because he could and sometimes did score shorthanded

[@01EvangelionUnit]

I dislike the Red Wings but I really enjoyed watching a lot of their players. Now that is some tough cognitive dissonance.

[@klompsauce]

Same with me and the Avs and Pens

[@TinnieTa21]

Haha this made me laugh. In a good way not in a sarcastic I'm making fun of you way lol.

[@thepolishprince851]

Love datsyuk growing up I remember watching him as a little kid and was so entertained every time he got on the ice, the first ever game I saw him play in person was against the Blackhawks and it was magic. He made it so fun going to red wings games and turning on fox sports detroit every night a red wings game was on. I still remember my golden years as a kid when Lidstrom, holmstrom, datsyuk, Franzen, rafalski, zetterberg were all together those were my favorite times to be a red wings fan and watching zetterberg and datsyuk together was something special I hope we see that sometime again soon with them

[@nyrgaming3091]

If we looked at just talent, he may be the best ever. He really was the “Magic Man”

[@ScarecrOmega]

Career of Henrik Zetterberg next

[@ryanstenzel1760]

Pav could do it all. Shut down center, sick passes, deke you out of your jock, be the first to be played in OT, be the first to be called on in a SO. Dude was everything. I'm lucky to have witnessed him play live. Top two favorite Wings of all time. Thanks for this vid, THG.

[@richrealdeal6606]

Dont call him Datsyuk, call him “Magic Man”

[@matturibe5256]

Best player I ever saw meaning he did it all and did it better than anyone I ever seen.

[@dylangray9965]

The most exciting and skilled player of all time hands down. Best defensive forward. Love this guy. Because of how responsible he was defensively his stats may not look as impressive as he truly was, start looking at his Corsi (possession) metrics, always top 5 in the league.

[@y0utubedude96]

Leader in takeaways most years he played, nobody could pick your pocket like Datsyuk

[@siddiq106]

woah woah calm down there i wouldnt say the most skilled of all time

[@tylerp1105]

Pavel Bure was probably the most skilled and exciting, but datsyuk is right up there.

[@dylangray9965]

@@tylerp1105 Can't disagree, Bure was a pleasure to watch as well. Probably my bias/personal preference for Datsyuk.

[@dylangray9965]

@@siddiq106 in my opinion - who is better? He did things that nobody has done in a game. Other high profiles players regarded him as the most skilled player they have ever seen. Not saying the best, but in terms of raw skill, that's my opinion.

[@achildr1]

The offense never really faded...in terms of points per game. Had over a point per game his 2nd to last season.

[@AidanMurray1]

Alex Childress even after suffering injuries frequently he never really seemed to fade away when he was on the ice.

[@edwardsmith6609]

Long time Wings fan. I remember watching his first game, at work the next day I was talking to some friends going..."Christ, did you see the new Russian kid last night ? He's gonna be a dandy" ! Then...I remember all the games vs. the Nashville Predators...and I was thinking, " god, they have to hate us... Pav's makes them look soooo bad". Always wondered why his numbers were not higher, maybe something to do with his defensive commitment, but what a pleasure to watch for those years. You just never knew what he would pull out of his toolbag on any given night. Thanks for the vid !

[@edwardsmith6609]

Plain and simple...guy was just fucking sick.

[@schuug]

Datsyuk has always been my favourite player. So silky smooth, amazing 2-way forward and just a great person and player. The only named jersey I have (until I get my Marchy one anyway)

[@matttroxell8754]

"He's the best puck handler I've ever seen." "You mean for his age..." "No...I don't."

[@osjkane7874]

In my opinion, Datsyuk is one of the most complete players of all time. One can’t say enough to explain how good he was in his prime. Boston media is notorious for being biased, but they took it to a whole new level with Datsyuk. Local pundits barely acknowledge Datsyuk’s existence, most likely because the second best two-way forward of the era is a Bruin. Bergeron’s defensive work rate is exceptional, but Datsyuk will always have his number offensively in my book.

[@GabbyBabby-pp1lx]

Such a special player, not a Red Wings fan, but wow, words fail me. Miss watching him play.

[@hockeymike333]

Was very sick in Cambodia, some random russian soldiers that were on vacation stayed at my hostel, Showed them a picture of me in Datsyuk's locker and we were friends from then on out. They got me some bananas and smoked me up for a week to help my stomach. Random but without the Datsyuk connection, it may not have been. Datsyuk was a true magician, and fun to watch every shift in every zone. His keepaway games during practice are God Level.

[@hockeyinalabama]

The "Datsyukian Dekes" were great and fun to watch. But his defensive game was mind blowing! It wasn't just great positioning and consistent fundamentals. It was the way he could sneak up on players and pickpocket them like this was their first ice hockey game. Made some really talented guys look silly.

[@dronlaa]

Thanks for video! Dats and Fedorov my favorite ever, loved to watch him at KHL alittle, he was professional as always till the last game, whatching him steal the puck at defence with his superstar status just incredible!

[@officialgilmore22]

I appreciate the career videos. They're perfect for breaks like Christmas holiday or Allstar break or for me off days when I'm waiting for my Flyers to play games. Keep 'em going, Shannon. You'll always get likes from me

[@dylangray9965]

Also, the offense doesn't start to fade, he just gets less points because he played less games, look at the point to game if he played full seasons. From when he stopped playing full seasons in 11-12, his full season projections would be 87, 79, 86, 68, 85, 61.

[@datsyuk1349]

Thank you for this video. Will always be my favourite player. An amazing player on and off the ice.

[@kanegarvey3188]

He didn’t score goals. He scored THE goals. Whether they were beautiful or clutch he scored both. When legends say that he could have scored 50 more points per season if he wanted to but would rather focus on being a complete two way player; you’re a damn good player.

[@ajmanks]

My fav player yessss

[@philipcoggins9512]

Most skilled stickhandler of all time...

[@jahmanoog461]

This guy,,, so deceptive, great hands,, class act. The only thing I didn't like about him was that he didn't play for my team. I still watch his highlights. Amazing.

[@weggiemiller41]

Please never stop the career videos. They’re so cool. All of em. The THG hall of fame, hall of fame profile, and career videos of all types are so fascinating. I would love to hear even more about what you felt like watching these guys and things you’ll remember most and what you think they COULD have been etc. Anyway, love your stuff. Sincerely. Very glad you’re out there doing this.

[@normansugurov4169]

Thank you, Shannon!!!

[@y0utubedude96]

Been waiting for this video forever! Thanks for making this, my all time favorite player.

[@martinbernier6083]

I have been waiting for this one a long time. I have not see him play enough while he was in the league but I can’t stop watching his highlights videos. Magic man!!

[@marcpell133]

This guy was a treat to watch regularly live at The Joe. Loved the Magic Man.

[@schlatt2574]

The magician

[@Chipotleway]

Look up Datsyuks highlights on KZbin. I don't believe in magic, but you could convince me Pavel is a wizard

[@kylewhite5147]

Love the career videos, thanks for covering them despite the lower view count!

[@jacobdavis9424]

This guy made abdelkader look like a potential all star. A true magician.

[@mattlovespeebee]

Life long WingNut, so thank you so much for this video. Your channel is my new destination for my renewed passion for hockey!!

[@thefamilymans2545]

I love Dats, and followed his career as it happened. Thank you for making this video. Even if i was ur only viewer for it, itd be worth it. Cuz i will share it with my wife, who is a Redwings hockey convert!! Thanks!

[@hockeytown9647]

One of the greatest minds in the history of the game, and possibly the best hands as well.

[@ristosnipeanalyst7839]

Literally my favourite videos

[@d.l.r.6256]

I love the career vids. Just hard to prioritize when hockey is in full swing with the excellent NOTD, previews, reviews, power rankings and panic index. One day hopefully soon I will have watched all of these individual career and team history vids.

[@IceNinja2007]

I can't like this video enough

[@hockeymike333]

@9:32 I agree, best overall player in the NHL for that 10 years. Best defensive forward in the NHL after he weighted up and could take and fend off hits. I think his first few years, not sure exactly how many he looked great but was ragdolled almost nightly. He came back from one summer and was throwing hits and standing up some big hits, hall of fame level was unlocked.

[@emmmmmmwheel16256]

These videos are my favorite!

[@pavish1973]

keep doing the career videos its nice to watch

[@kevaninthe4135]

I quite enjoy your career videos.

[@hairybushman9747]

Thank you Shannon

[@Sigillum_diaboli]

This is great :)

[@DylanSmith-zj8sp]

The career videos are excellent!!!!!

[@kennethrussell1320]

A few things that as a Wings fan I think are HUGE misses. They started tracking takeaways in 07-08. Datsyuk has 144 in that season. That record still stands. He also had a CF of 67 that year. CRAZY! Now the elephant on skates. Datsyuk suffered a knee injury in the 09 playoffs that ALMOST CERTAINLY....Like, 98 percent sure, cost him and the Wings the Cup that year. Now teams have lost Cups because their stars got injured. It happens. It's still worth mentioning that it happened. Datsyuk was a good enough player that if not for a bad luck injury would have 3 Cups.

[@WolverineIncognito]

You forgot to mention takeaways. Datsyuk had an INSANE number of takeaways!

[@jberczi6]

Goat'd

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

Top 5 best hand in Hockey of all-time...and apparently one of the great defensive player ! One of the many great find of Christer Rockstrom...He works for Montreal now !

[@hellochris06]

Datsyuk was a Hakkan Andersson find I believe.

[@patch8376]

I like the odd "to heck with it" video in the mix. Thanks!

[@jahmanoog461]

Note the Selke awards along with the Lady Bings--and this guy might be the best stick handlers in hockey history. Incredible impact on the game. PENS fan with a ton of respect for this guy. Shannon nails it, ,, a step ahead of everyone else.

[@Roboswaggins]

Loved watching The Magic Man. Surely HoF. Astonishing to watch, and always would have liked to see what his stats would be if he purely went in on all offense for one season. Dude was unstoppable

[@botch9679]

One of my favorite players! :)

[@MrWonderpuppy]

love the video shannon awesome datsyuk could really dangle the puck and loose players I miss those days but we survived the 80s so we can do it again GO Wings

[@joeyc9208]

If he wanted to I think he could of gotten a couple 120+ season but he had such a great 2 way game

[@JohnSilverHawkins]

Maybe they don't do well, but I really appreciate your career videos, brother.

[@bishop529]

Hey Shannon, You mentioned Randy Gregg in your recent Paul Reinhardt Career/THG-HOF/Short Career videos.Ii thought i would od a bit of research into Greggs career during and after his time in the NHL. I learned a few interesting things. One of which... did you know one of Gregg's daughters, Jessica, is a short-track speed skater, and that she won a Silver Medal at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Pretty cool!

[@andrewburney8075]

Magic man

[@davidgoldenberg9450]

I'd love to see one done on Chris Pronger, Brendan Shanahan, Pavel Bure and Peter Forsberg. My childhood favs :)

[@ScarecrOmega]

He did Forsberg, would like to see the others done too.

[@davidgoldenberg9450]

@@ScarecrOmega Sweet. I'll check that one out.

[@wiriestfever6585]

Shannon great vid, as a wings fan this made my heart feel good but I NEED TO FIND HOW YOU GOT THAT JERSEY FOR UNDER $20 MY GOD

[@dcz2899]

Good video, Datsyuk was a player i loved to watch as a Wings fan. Only thing is it didn't quite go as you said with the drafting. Holland said it himself that if they knew how good Datsyuk and Zetterberg were going to be they would have drafted them earlier. They did have an advantage with Datsyuk since other teams didn't get a chance to scout him. The last time Hakan went to see him play there were a couple of NHL scouts for other teams on the plane but the flight was cancelled so Hakan had already seen him twice but the others never got the chance. Here is an article about Hakan and his story of drafting Datsyuk www.mlive.com/redwings/2013/06/red_wings_scout_hakan_andersso.html

[@mjsteele42]

Easily one of the most underrated players of the 21st century.

[@mattk6272]

The first NHL game I played as a kid was NHL 07. At this point I knew absolutely zero about the league, but I knew and played ice hockey. My brother picked Detroit as his go to team, while I went with Vancouver. I grew to hate Datsyuk, cause he seemed so over powered in the game, and my brother loved him of course... Unfortunately I never got to actually see him do his magic, got interested in the NHL a little to late, but from the video proof online I can see he was an absolute legend on the ice.

[@goodsolonius7305]

I'm a ducks fan and used to hate the red wings but Pavel Datsyuk is deserving of the nhl top 100 list and lidstrom in my opinion is the second best defenseman who ever lived

[@kode-man23]

Not to mention that Datsyuk was the only hockey player who could routinely break ankles with his moves.

[@mastershake6292]

I'm not just saying this as a bias Wings fan. Datsyuk is by far the most skilled overall player I've ever seen in my lifetime. Maybe only Sergei Fedorov was as well rounded as him. I think Luc Robitaille said it best, "He could score 100pts a year if he wanted to, and that's scary". I'm paraphrasing of course.

[@jeremy745]

Luc Robitaille said himself Datsyuk could have got 50 more points a season if he wanted but he wanted to be an all around player

[@will-eh3qt]

A Zetterberg video next would be appropriate