The Red Wings might be heading for a trade involving Andreas Athanasiou. But the franchise won’t let the RFA-forward go until they get what they want in return.
RFA Andreas Athanasiou is the newest name sparking the interest of teams in the NHL. His name has been bounced around quietly during trade talks as he and Detroit have hit a stalemate in contract negotiations. The 23-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward is still without an NHL contract and is skating with HC Lugano of Switzerland.
TSN Insider Bob McKenzie said that teams are calling Detroit about the Canadian forward, but the Red Wings aren’t actively looking to dump Athanasiou. He believes that under the right circumstances Andreas could be on the move. McKenzie also reported that the Red Wings may be looking for a “similar offensive upside and skill level, who’s at the same age or younger.”
Might miss the entire NHL-season
With time slowly starting to tick away on Athanasiou’s contract negotiations, it should be noted that as an RFA if he does not sign before December 1st, he will be forced to miss the entire 2017-2018 season.
Since he is currently unsigned in the NHL, Athanasiou would be eligible to contend for a roster spot with Canada’s Olympic roster.
Athanasiou tallied 18 goals and 29 points last season.
READ ALSO: Alex Ovechkin surprises young cancer survivor Alex Luey
