Datsyuk voted best Russian player in NHL by players’ vote

Detroit Red Wings center forward has been awarded the Kharlamov Trophy as the best Russian player in the NHL according to the players’ vote. This prize has been established by Sovetsky Sport newspaper in 2003.

Each of 33 respondents had to name the best three Russians in the NHL. Datsyuk has received 44 points, leaving behind Ilya Kovalchuk with 42 and Alexander Ovechkin with 40 points.

The first winner of the trophy was Sergey Fedorov, followed by Ilya Kovalchuk a year later. For five years in a row after the NHL lockout the Kharlamov Trophy has been awarded to Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin.