Clearly, I have no ability to multi-task.  I was so focused this morning on the fact that the Detroit papers are ignoring the Fischer story that I skipped over an item that deserves significant discussion.  Thankfully, I read the Detroit News message board this afternoon.  A post from Attica reminded me of this little issue.

It would appear that Pavel Datsyuk’s days in Detroit could very well be numbered.  If he’s not dealt by the summer, it’s looking like re-signing with the Wins may not be a possibility when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next July.

Khan(!)/MLive

The Wings made center Pavel Datsyuk a contract offer. He rejected it, and his agent, Gary Greenstin, made a counter-offer. The Wings rejected that.

“We had quite a difference of opinion and we agreed we’ll table (talks) for now,’’ Holland told Booth Newspapers. “We’re far enough apart that there’s no negotiations going on.’’

The Wings have had difficult negotiations with Greenstin the last two times Datsyuk’s contract was up. Two Russian clubs started a bidding war for Datsyuk prior to the 2005-06 season. He eventually signed a two-year deal with the Wings for $3.9 million a season.

Datsyuk is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. Holland has been trying to get him signed to a long-term deal.

“I never moved from my offer,’’ Holland said. “After a long period of time, they countered. They have no interest in my offer, I have no interest in their offer. Let’s let the season unfold.’’

Pavel Datsyuk wanted to cash in last summer.  The 3.9 he signed for was based largely on regular season flash and potential to carry this team in a postseason in the future.  His performance in that arena, as we know, has been one of the bigger disappointments to affect this organization in the last decade.

Any discussions Ken Holland has with Datsyuk’s camp are out of curiosity, courtesy or both.  If he expects to be paid significant dollars, he’d better earn them in May and June.