The Red Wings are closing in on a trade that would send Andreas Athanasiou to the Blue Jackets, according to Sportsnet.
Columbus close to a deal for Andreas Athanasiou. #SNTrade
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis)
February 24, 2020 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.
