The Chicago Blackhawks could place Andreas Athanasiou on waivers early this week. There are many factors that come into play, but since he hasn’t played much for the team since signing his last contract, that shouldn’t change going forward.
Elliotte Friedman said: “I heard another name was possible (for waivers), and it’s Andreas Athanasiou… Someone told me it could happen earlier this week.”
Athanasiou has played in five games this season, most recently on October 22 in a loss to the Vancouver Canucks in which he played less than 10 minutes. He played less than 10 minutes in four of his five games and the team was hoping he could be an option at center this season, a position where they are struggling.
He signed a two-year, $4.25 million AAV contract with the Blackhawks in the summer of 2023 after scoring 20 goals and recording 40 points in 81 games in his first season with the team. When healthy and in the right situation, the former 30-goal scorer has proven he can succeed.
But Friedman also said: “Like (Dante) Fabbro, he’s just a player who needs a fresh start somewhere else.” I think that will be difficult to find for Athanasiou this season. The Blackhawks have cap space to bury him in the minors for the remainder of the season and not force a trade.
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Since Athanasiou would go through waivers before heading to the AHL, every other NHL team could claim him. With his cap affected, it’s very unlikely. A cap hit trade is the only way the 30-year-old can move forward this season.
If or when this move by the Blackhawks to place Athanasiou on waivers happens, there will be an open roster spot that the team will most certainly fill. There are some young players doing pretty well at Rockford, so someone will get a chance and be rewarded for their play.
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