The Red Wings are closing in on a trade that would send Andreas Athanasiou to the Blue Jackets, according to Sportsnet.
The return for Detroit isn't yet clear, but it's worth noting Athanasiou has rebuilt some of his trade value with a strong stretch of play after a poor first half. He could feasibly net the Wings a second-round pick or a well-regarded prospect, although Columbus doesn't have a second-rounder either this year or next.
In what could be a corresponding move, the Wings have also claimed winger Dmytro Timashov off waivers from the Maple Leafs. Timashov, 23, had nine points in 39 games in a limited role for Toronto this season. He should step into a bigger role in Detroit.
Athanasiou, meanwhile, is set to be a restricted free agent this summer. He has 10 goals in 46 games, after scoring 30 goals last season. He's also an NHL-worst minus-45.
The Wings have already made one move in approach of Monday's 3 p.m. trade deadline, sending Mike Green to the Oilers for a conditional fourth-round pick.
Should they move Athanasiou as well, it would signal that GM Steve Yzerman might be prepared to shake up the team's young core.
