Andreas Athanasiou re-signs with Chicago Blackhawks
While there could be a lot of shaking up in the Windy City this summer, at least one familiar face will be around. Andreas Athanasiou is set to return to the Chicago Blackhawks for 2023-2024, as the speedy forward signed a two-year, $8.5 million deal, JFresh first reported Wednesday.
Andreas Athanasiou, signed 2x$4.25M by CHI, is a middle six winger who creates chances with his speed, scores with his speed, draws penalties with his speed, and that's about it. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/FjqBXDKsKY
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 7, 2023
It might be a potential overpay for a middle-six guy, but the Hawks aren’t winning anytime soon. This deal allows them to stay above the cap floor while also retaining a guy that picked up 20 goals and 20 assists for them.
He can play up and down the lineup and maybe even spend some time on the powerplay. As well, the contract is only for two years so there is some sense of financial flexibility here. Don’t be at all surprised to see them deal him off at a trade deadline in 2024 or 2025.
They could also try and build things by letting him play with Connor Bedard. Unless they shockingly trade out of the No. 1 pick, that’s who they’re picking. Having a generational talent like Bedard could make just about anyone better.
I’d even wager Athanasiou scores more than 40 points if he spends a full season on his wing. There are also players, such as Tyler Johnson, who could still be around but this roster still needs a ton of work.
Andreas Athanasiou has made his reputation in the NHL based on his speed. Now, he got a pretty decent payday for it as well. While Bedard’s rookie year is about the only reason worth tuning into the Blackhawks, the former Red Wing will now have a front row seat to it.
