The Detroit Red Wings drafted this quick-footed forward with their sixth
pick (171st overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
The center came to North America in 2001 and quickly secured a spot on the Red Wings' roster. He
appeared in 70 games in his rookie season, potting 11 goals and dishing out 24
assists. Datsyuk helped the Red Wings capture the 2002 Stanley Cup by
notching three goals and three assists in 21 playoff games. At the 2002
Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Datsyuk contributed a goal and two assists in
six games as Russia won the bronze medal.