Pavel Datsyuk signs contract to retire a Red Wing; praises and jokes about Brett Hull

Detroit Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk returned to Little Caesars Arena to drop the puck in a ceremonial faceoff. He also enjoyed a highlight reel video display for all to appreciate in attendance on the Jumbotron Thursday evening following his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame earlier this month.

According to Datsyuk's agent, Dan Milstein, he came out of retirement to sign a one-day contract with the organization so he could retire as a member of the Red Wings.

Datsyuk is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and a three-time Selke Trophy winner, which is awarded to the league's top defensive forward. He also won the Lady Byng Trophy four straight times; this award is given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and high playing ability. Datsyuk also won a World Championship plus an Olympic Gold Medal in 2018 with Russia, making him a triple-gold winner.

The Red Wings legend is known as the Magic Man for his unbelievable stick skills, puck-handling, and ability to create wherever he is in the offensive zone, whether behind the net, on the wall, in the slot, in front of the net, or out near the point. Oh, and his highlight shootout skills, reverse hits, and even sneaky strength, ask Corey Perry about that. I like to call him a professional thief because if you were playing against Detroit and had the puck on your stick while he was on the ice, that puck wasn't safe.

While at the rink on Thursday, Datsyuk was doing his rounds and, known for not enjoying the media room for interviews during his playing days, found himself back in front of a microphone and came out firing when it came to the jokes calling it 'my favorite spot.'

Pavel Datsyuk expresses admiration for his former teammate Brett Hull before humorously roasting him.

"Brett Hull is great player, I learn lots from him," Datsyuk said. "Just throw puck to where he is and he will take care of it. But when I play first year, we have unbelievable team and I can learn everyday from anybody. I can turn left, learn, turn right, learn. Lots of great players and they have patience with me and explain things to me, even though I don’t understand English. This is appreciated."

Midway through the clip above, Daniella talks about how great a two-way player Datsyuk was throughout his career. This is after a lengthy comment on playing with Hull and knowing he could get him the puck even if it weren't a perfect pass; Hull would do the rest. Datsyuk laughs and says he was forced to be a two-way center because he played on that line with Hull.

Datsyuk recorded 314 goals and 604 assists over 14 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. The Hall of Famer was voted as one of the NHL's top 100 players of all time.