Detroit Red Wings star forward Pavel Datsyuk has been given permission by the team to participate in the 2013 Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game, according to his agent Gary Greenstin in an interview with the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday afternoon.
With the lockout almost coming to an end, rumors have begun to surface that the KHL might be attempting to retain the services of star players who joined the league during the labor dispute. Ilya Kovalchuk of the New Jersey Devils is one such player who has fanned the flames of controversy as of late.
Stating that he has yet to make up his mind about a return to the NHL, Kovalchuck stated that he wished to play in the KHL All-Star game on Sunday.
While New Jersey has stated that they have yet to hear from their star, Greenstin explained that Datsyuk has been in discussion with Detroit:
"Pavel loves Red Wings organization. He make his name in Detroit. He belongs to them, and Detroit belong to him. He has permission to play in All-Star Game.
The KHL All-Star Game will be held on Jan. 13 in Chelyabinsk, Russia, which Greenstin states is three hours away from Datsyuk's hometown.
While it has yet to be confirmed, it is believed that NHL training camps will begin on the same day. Datsyuk will be returning to the United States on Jan. 14.