Pavel Datsyuk leaves Detroit with one last message

Pavel Datsyuk's message to the fans after signing a 2-year contract with the SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL:

Dear Friends,

I am blessed to have received an offer to continue my hockey career at home with SKA in St. Petersburg. It was a difficult decision to retire from the Red Wings and NHL, but in my heart, I believe it is the best decision for me and my family. 

My decision was not an easy one. Your support of the Detroit Red Wings and of me personally has meant so much to me. I arrived a young man that few had heard of and I am leaving with so many offering their kind wishes, love and respect. I am so thankful. You have provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever graceful to the game of hockey, the NHL, the Detroit Red Wings and most importantly, to you, our fans.

With the reality that I will no longer be a Red Wing or playing in the NHL, I realize there are a lot of people I would like to personally thank.

I also want to especially thank Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch and the entire Ilitch family for all their support over the years. They are tremendous owners and I loved playing for them. Similarly, I owe a great deal to Ken Holland for his understanding and support during the last few years in particular, but really throughout my career. Ken and the entire organization have always treated me well and he, together with all of the organization, are a major reason why every player in the league wants to play in Detroit.

I would also like to thank all of my teammates. We have had many successes, and many times fell short of our goals, but it has been an honor and privilege to play by your side.

 also want to thank all of my coaches, in particular Mike Babcock for his support, wisdom and guidance over most of my career and Jeff Blashill for taking over and leading us to another playoff year. I am confident that Coach Blashill will have a high level of success and will continue to add to the great history of the Detroit Red Wings.

Finally and most importantly, to the fans of the Detroit Red Wings throughout Michigan, the United States and Canada (as well as those in Russia and elsewhere). I so appreciated your passionate support over the years and truly enjoyed playing for you. I loved playing in Detroit!

From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for everything.