Brett Hull recently named Pavel Datsyuk as the most talented teammate of his legendary NHL career. He praised the former Detroit Red Wings center for his brilliance on the ice and explained what set him apart.
Hull and Datsyuk were teammates for three seasons, from 2001 until 2003. The Russian center was in his rookie season, while Hull was at the tail end of his career.
They spent a considerable amount of time as linemates, which adds a lot of weight to Hull’s statement. The Red Wings had a talented roster that featured several Hall of Famers. That said, Datsyuk being named as Hull’s most talented teammate is high praise, especially considering the caliber of players he previously played with.
During an episode of his Ice Guardians Podcast, Hull reflected on his experience playing with Datsyuk. He revealed that his incredible skill, along with his defensive ability and instincts, made him a special player to watch.
“[Datsyuk was the most talented guy I played with] ever. Skill-wise, it’s impossibly better than him. And as great as he was, obviously became a Hall of Famer, but I used to tell him we could score every shift,” Hull said. “I would just stand in the slot and watch him. And then go back to the left wing block when they trip [him].”
Brett Hull Recalls Pavel Datsyuk’s Skill in Red Wings Practices
Brett Hull also recalled what Pavel Datsyuk used to frequently do during Red Wings practices. Although he was a 23-year-old rookie, Hull revealed Datsyuk would often put his teammates to shame.
Hull said Datsyuk showcased his skill during breakaway drills against then-Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek. He would then demonstrate his stickhandling and puck control in one-on-one drills with defenseman Chris Chelios.
“Yeah, it’s scary. [Datsyuk] used to do breakaways against [Dominik] Hasek after practice and demoralize the greatest goalie maybe ever,” Hull said on his Ice Guardians Podcast. “Then he’d play keep away with [Chris] Chelios and finally, Chelios would just break his stick and take the puck and laugh.”
Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark, Hull’s guest on his podcast episode, also chimed in and praised Datsyuk.
“[Datsyuk] had such good stand-up posture that he could always see, and [he was] strong, and [he could] skate, which is hard to do.”
Hull Praises Datsyuk’s Work Ethic During His Time on the Red Wings
Hull also praised Datsyuk’s work ethic in training and recalled him being in excellent physical shape during their time as teammates.
Datsyuk showcased his impressive physical attributes through his training routine. Hull revealed that was amazed at what the Russian center was capable of.
“[Datsyuk] would never get tired. He’d do box jumps that were like five feet high,” Hull said. “I’d be like, ‘What am I witnessing?’ The only other guy I thought was in shape like that was Jere Lehtinen in Dallas.”
Datsyuk’s work ethic and dedication to training likely contributed to his long NHL career. He played in the NHL until the 2015-16 season, followed by an additional five seasons in the KHL.
Datsyuk retired after the 2020-21 KHL season. He was 42-years-old.
Brett Hull Explains What Made Pavel Datsyuk His Most Talented Teammate Ever