Detroit — Pavel Datsyuk does have one particular memory of coming to Detroit and joining the Red Wings' organization. And when Datsyuk tells it now, it's staggering to think exactly how far Datsyuk has come.

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will celebrate Pavel Datsyuk Hockey Hall of Fame Night when they host the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

Datsyuk took his general manager’s advice to heart, and 23 years later, hard work and his electrifying skills got him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Red Wings honored him during a ceremony prior to their game against the New York Islanders.

Before the Red Wings honoured Datsyuk's Hall of Fame induction with a pre-game ceremony, the now 46-year-old unretired and signed a symbolic one-day contract with the only NHL franchise he ever knew.

Andersson said the deicing machine made him nervous, a “huge ring of fire” rattling the plane and coming a little too close to the wings full of jet fuel. Perfect metaphor. A scout from the Calgary Flames was on the same plane.

Datsyuk, 46, gained entry his first year of eligibility after retiring in 2021 following five seasons in the KHL. His credentials include two Stanley Cup championships and three Selke Trophies as the NHL’s top defensive forward. He is a member of the elusive Triple Gold Club, having won a Cup, Olympic gold medal and World Championship.

Red Wings honor Pavel Datsyuk's Hall of Fame induction