Now that we’ve got that out of the way, Datsyuk might be going back to Russia. Datsyuk is 37-years old and is in the second year of a three-year contract. Which means the Detroit Red Wings will have his $7.5 million against the cap and nothing to show for it.

This is an excellent opportunity for a savvy team with cap space to swoop in and take that deal off their hands in exchange for good, young assets. Hell, even picks. The Red Wings legacy means they’re not likely to tank anytime soon. Losing $7.5 million in cap space is a serious handicap that they likely can’t afford.

The Red Wings could retain part of Datsyuk’s salary if necessary. They only have Jakub Kindl on the books as a retained salary transaction.

The Department of Player Safety spun the wheel of justice on Duncan Keith’s egregious, injurious stick infraction this week and landed at six games – five regular season games, one playoff. Here’s the play:

This isn’t the first of its kind from Keith, either.

The potential for harm is huge. Remember this?

That Charlie Coyle didn’t suffer an injury played in Keith’s favour. It really shouldn’t, though. Challenging based on the injury is so bizarre. Doesn’t necessarily send the right message, either. “Yeah, maybe don’t do that thing that is threatening to the long-term health of the player. Unless you do and manage to not kill the guy. Power to yeah”.

The Edmonton Oilers put up another stinker on Saturday night, losing 5-0 to Calgary under the Hockey Night in Canada lights. It feels like this happens a lot this time of year, every year, in Edmonton. 

Here’s Todd McLellan’s reaction to it all:

The Oilers need this. Year after year it’s the same story and for reasons that escape the players never seem all that embarrassed. Really, they should be. That’s a level of passion and emotion that you want out of your players.

I don’t buy into a lot of what’s coming out of Pat Quinn Way, but I definitely buy into the belief that you need to develop a winning culture and environment for your younger players. Walking that line is difficult, especially when the cards are so stacked against you. 

The Buffalo Sabres seem like an example of how to do it right. One year of unabashed tanking, now they’re really going for it. They’ve got a long way to go, but they’re trending up.