Embed from Getty Images The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching. In fact it is Monday afternoon. Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman figures to be a busy man. He has players on expiring contracts and the Detroit Red Wings could use a healthy blend of draft picks and prospects.
Some key injuries around the NHL could make other general mangers anxious come Monday. Enter Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou. The young forward has struggled on the ice and injuries of his own this season.
On the season Athanasiou has 8 goals, 14 assists in 44 games played and an NHL worst -44, he could take off with another team. Athanasiou is a restricted free agent July 1. He is a 30 goal scorer and at 25 years old, still young by NHL standards.
The Colorado Avalanche lost forward Mikko Rantanen to a shoulder injury. Athansiou could help.
Former Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland could come calling in order to help his Edmonton Oilers, who are without star Connor McDavid. The Oilers could add speed to an already fast first line with McDavid, Leon Drasisait and Athansiou.
The Vancouver Canucks look to be buyers at the deadline as well. As well as Pittsburgh and Carolina. Steve Yerman’s phone will be ringing often very soon.
Andreas Athanasiou has shown enough flashes over the year and has elite speed. The injuries around the league could not have come at a better time for the Red Wings.
Now Yzerman can get a larger return for a young forward with upside and not a just-have-to-settle-for…….. trade.
The Red Wings do not have many good trade chips. Athansiou is attractive on many levels. One drawback is Athansiou is not consistent defensively. That will not keep teams from calling.
Steve Yzerman is a general manager who tends to get maximum value for the trades he has made as general manager. It is safe to say he will get that return for Andreas Athansiou. Should he choose to move him.
