7:35pm: Craig Custance of The Athletic confirmed with Athanasiou’s agent that he indeed has been offered a one-year contract from a KHL team and is considering it.
5:31pm: The Detroit Red Wings have one restricted free agent left to sign in Andreas Athanasiou, but according to Rick Dhaliwal of News 1130 in Vancouver, those talks might not be going so well. Dhaliwal reports that there is a possibility Athanasiou signs in the KHL instead, as negotiations are “going nowhere.” Obviously, these kind of threats are often leaked to the media in order to create leverage but it is interesting that there has been little said from either side on their negotiations throughout the summer. Athanasiou was not arbitration eligible, and is coming off a breakout 18-goal season.
Ironically, having Athanasiou sign in Russia could actually help the Red Wings in the short term, as the club is pressed right against the cap for the upcoming season. While they have potential savings in the form of Johan Franzen’s incoming LTIR placement, an Athanasiou contract would force them to make a different move. If he signed in Russia, his rights would be maintained without a cap hit.
The 23-year old forward played 64 games for the Red Wings this year, recording 29 points and showing off his elite speed to create offensive chances out of relatively innocuous looking rushes. That dynamic ability makes him a valuable asset, but there were also some warts to his game. Whenever he was given the chance to play center he performed poorly on the defensive side of the game, and there were clashes with head coach Jeff Blashill at times over his competitiveness.
It has to be said that there is still plenty of time to work out a contract before the season starts, and that things can change easily at any time. Still, if Athanasiou ever decides to look elsewhere for a playing opportunity, it would come with a likely roster spot with Team Canada at the Olympics. There would also be plenty of interest in the KHL and European leagues for a player of his caliber, giving him some leverage in his negotiations.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Wings better sign him
Go away, Gavin Lee.