Pavel Datsyuk News

Coach Mike Babcock said Pavel Datsyuk won't play Saturday in Toronto due to the sore back he has from lifting weights. It's nothing major. He might sit out Sunday as well, be he should be ready for the season opener, Oct. 7 against Ottawa.

Clearly nothing serious or Datsyuk would be held out of the exhibition game. Last season he scored 23 goals and 59 points in 56 games and looked like a Hart Trophy finalist before succumbing to injury. Feel free taking him as early as the late first round.

Pavel Datsyuk
Pavel Datsyuk did not practice today due to soreness in his back from lifting weights. He was scratched from Friday's game against Toronto at Joe Louis Arena (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit) but Babcock said he will play Saturday in Toronto.

Clearly nothing serious or Datsyuk would be held out of the exhibition game. Last season he scored 23 goals and 59 points in 56 games and looked like a Hart Trophy finalist before succumbing to injury.

Pavel Datsyuk