Toronto Maple Leafs Should Claim Former 30-Goal Scorer To Add Bottom Line Scoring Depth If Available
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast that Chicago is going to place Andreas Athanasiou on waivers, here's why Toronto should get him.
The Chicago Blackhawks are not doing too hot this season, sitting near the basement of the Central Division and not really showing the dominance they once had a decade ago. Connor Bedard can only do so much, and the Blackhawks are gonna need to make a change.
They might start things off by getting rid of former 30-goal scorer Andreas Athanasiou. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reports Chicago is more than likely going to place the 30-year old center on waivers Monday:
Well, Friedman is on the ball for this one, as head coach Luke Richardson has confirmed that Athanasiou will be placed on waivers:
It's not a surprise to see Athanasiou on waivers, as he's only played in five games with Chicago this season, hasn't registered a point and is averaging just over 9 minutes of ice time. Chicago is struggling and he's not helping, but they aren't doing him any favors either.
What's Toronto Getting In Andreas Athanasiou?
Toronto should take a flier on Athanasiou and try to resurrect both his career and their bottom-six production. He is a former 30-goal scorer, and as recently as 2022-23 had 20 goals. He's capable of contributing but he's not getting the chances in Chicago as they rebuild.
Adding Athanasiou to Toronto in replace of Pontus Holmberg would give Craig Berube a veteran center with scoring potential, a solid faceoff man, and is a very smart, if unflashy two-way forward.
It's all the ingredients that should make the Leafs head coach salivate. He would also be a solid replacement for Max Pacioretty, who is out for several weeks due to a lower-body injury.
He's also 6'2 and has the potential to help Toronto come playoff time. He hasn't scored much but adding a veteran faceoff guy who can kill penalties and be smart with the puck is always welcome as you make a deep playoff push. Athanasiou isn't cheap though, and it would be hard to justify his $4.25M hit if he's such a wild card.
Brad Treliving should see if he can sneak in and steal Athanasiou if teams overlook the veteran forward, but he should tread carefully and not overpay for a player who hasn't done much this season, but has the potential to shine.
