Tag: trade deadline

Posted on

The Detroit Red Wings trade Mike Green and Andreas Athanasiou for draft picks

Embed from Getty Images Not to long ago Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was asked about the prospects he had. After giving an overview Yzerman said “we need more.” Last night Steve Yzerman took a step at adding more prospects and then again this afternoon at the NHL trade deadline.

Last night Steve Yzerman sent veteran defensman Mike Green to the Edmonton Oilers for a fourth round draft pick. Not bad when you figure in that Green is in the worst season of his NHL career.

Then came this afternoon when Yzerman traded forward Andreas Athanasiou also to the Oilers. Yzerman said that several teams had inquired or expressed a serious interest in Athanasiou. The trade that was made gives the Red Wings two second round draft picks in 2020 and 2021. For the 2020 draft the Red Wings now look like this:

1- 1st round

3- 2nd round

2- 3rd round

1- fourth round

1-5th round

1-6th round

1- 7th round

It should be noted again that former Detroit Red Wings general manager who used to fill the chair that now seats Yzerman in Detroit, Ken Holland is now calling the shots in Edmonton. Holland knows both Green and Athanasiou well from his Detroit days. Yzerman said it was not intentional to make two trades to the same team. He was simply looking for the best return for players.

The fact Steve Yzerman deemed two second round picks more valuable to the Detroit Red Wings rebuild than the 25 year old Andreas Athanasiou speaks volumes as to what Yzerman likes in his players. Athanasiou has unworldly speed, and great hands. Yet, Athanasiou does not play defense well or at all at times and has lapses offensively.

Trying to add draft picks and prospects is the foundation of any rebuild. Yzerman said several NHL teams, expressed interest in Athanasiou. He has 10 goals and 14 assists and an NHL worst minus 45 rating in 46 games this season.

Was it an eye popping deadline? No, but it was part of Yzerman’s plan to rebuild the franchise he so dearly loves. Will the Red Wings hit on all of their draft picks? That is highly doubtful. However, the more picks he has the numbers increase that the Detroit Red Wings will walk away with enough talent to add to the core players and begin to turn the Red Wings into a playoff contender again.

 

Posted on

Could a rash of injuries around the NHL icrease interest in Detroit Red Wings Athanasiou

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.