Detroit — Pavel Datsyuk does have one particular memory of coming to Detroit and joining the Red Wings' organization. And when Datsyuk tells it now, it's staggering to think exactly how far Datsyuk has come.

Datsyuk took his general manager’s advice to heart, and 23 years later, hard work and his electrifying skills got him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Red Wings honored him during a ceremony prior to their game against the New York Islanders.

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will celebrate Pavel Datsyuk Hockey Hall of Fame Night when they host the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

In town to be honored for his recent induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Datsyuk didn’t pick up a paycheck for his appearance, but he did sign a contract. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was signing Datsyuk to one of those symbolic one-day contracts to enable the Magic Man to officially retire as a Red Wing.

This just in, the Detroit Red Wings have signed Hockey Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk to a one day contract, enabling him to go down in history as a member of the team. Check it out: Kudos to GM Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings for doing this.

Before the Red Wings honoured Datsyuk’s Hall of Fame induction with a pre-game ceremony, the now 46-year-old unretired and signed a symbolic one-day contract with the only NHL franchise he ever knew.

Red Wings honor Pavel Datsyuk's Hall of Fame induction