Steam picking up regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs landing a former 30-goal-scoring forward
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Toronto Maple Leafs could reportedly seek offensive support from former Chicago Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou, who still remains a free agent just under 40 days from NHL training camp kickoff.
It would be a low-risk, high-reward signing for general manager Brad Treliving, who still has a few slots in the lineup to fill before opening night.
Andreas Athanasiou, a once 30-goal scorer with the Detroit Red Wings, is hungry for an NHL contract. He also laced them up for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2022 to 2024; why not a team-friendly deal with another historic Original Six franchise?
In July, we discussed Athanasiou's potential arrival to the Leafs, and it seems to be picking up steam.
Maple Leafs suggested to sign Andreas Athanasiou on free agent market
NHL analyst Edward Eng of EditorInLeaf urges GM Treliving to strike a contract agreement with the
«Athanasiou still only three years removed from his 2022-23 season with the Chicago Blackhawks in which he managed to post 20 goals and 20 assists for 40 points,» Eng wrote. «As a result, he is still more than capable at providing valuable secondary scoring to any contender.
«Having spent the bulk of his 2024-25 campaign buried in the minors by the Blackhawks, Athanasiou should welcome the opportunity to get his career back on track after just turning the still young age of 31,» Eng added. «The Leafs could provide him with that exact chance to show what he can do again on a PTO.»
«Having spent the bulk of his 2024-25 campaign buried in the minors by the Blackhawks, Athanasiou should welcome the opportunity to get his career back on track after just turning the still young age of 31,» Eng added. «The Leafs could provide him with that exact chance to show what he can do again on a PTO.»
The 31-year-old forward spent just 8 games in the NHL this past season and was buried in the minors by the Blackhawks organization, who had no sense of direction.
He's a valuable asset as he can provide depth offensive help on both center and wing, alongside with secondary scoring.
Eng of EditorInLeaf believes he can be a top-six option for the Maple Leafs.
«It wasn't too long ago when Andreas Athanasiou appeared to be on his way to become a legitimate star in the NHL following his 30-goal, 54-point campaign with the Detroit Red Wings back during the 2018-19 season. However, the COVID pandemic, along with a string of undisclosed injuries ultimately derailed his once-promising career,»
A veteran of 495 games and a former 110th overall pick who still remains on the open market will surely ink a contract shortly, and now we await confirmation on his next NHL destination.
Previously on HawksInsider
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