NHL Rumors: Pavel Datsyuk nearing contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg

Pavel Datsyuk is reportedly extremely close to a final decision on his 2016-17 season plans. The Detroit Red Wings legend is nearing a two-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg, according to multiple Russian Reports.

Datsyuk has one season remaining on his three-year, $22.5 million contract with Detroit. Datsyuk will count $7.5 million against the Red Wings salary cap in the 2016-2017 season, even if he decides to retire.

Detroit could trade his contract to a budget team needing to reach the salary cap floor. Datsyuk, will meet with Red Wings GM Ken Holland in early to mid-June to discuss his future. Datsyuk's agent told the Detroit Free Press on Monday:

He would like to leave, but at the same time, he wants to make sure the Wings have options. He wants to help the team any way he can with the salary cap issue.