PuckPedia is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks have signed pending unrestricted free agent forward, Andreas Athanasiou, to a 2-year, $8.5MM contract extension. Heading into this summer, Athanasiou was one of only a few Blackhawks scheduled to hit the open market.
In a few weeks, the expectation is that Chicago will select generational prospect, Connor Bedard, with the first overall selection of the 2023 NHL Draft. With the extension of Athanasiou, one of Bedard’s linemates should already be in place.
Originally signed by the Blackhawks to a 1-year, $3MM contract last offseason, it was expected that Chicago might peddle Athanasiou at the 2023 Trade Deadline, but decided to hold onto the forward instead. In 81 games for the Blackhawks this year, Athanasiou had a solid season, scoring 20 goals and 20 assists.
Primarily being known as a goal-scorer throughout his career, Athanasiou has managed to hit the 30-goal mark once, coming back in the 2018-19 season with the Detroit Red Wings. With the prospect of playing on a line with the NHL’s next big superstar, Athanasiou should be able to build on a productive season.