Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

Reports: Andreas Athanasiou strongly considering playing in Russia this season

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @StefanKubus – 

As a team hard-pressed to alleviate its maxed out salary cap, it seems the Red Wings’ first casualty could be near.

Per TSN’s Darren Dreger, budding forward and restricted free agent Andreas Athanasiou is in ongoing talks with Kontinental Hockey League clubs to play in Russia this season. Athanasiou is currently without a new contract and the Red Wings are currently $3 million over the salary cap.

Furthermore, Russian agent Shumi Babaev is allegedly representing Athanasiou in his KHL negotiations. Babaev claims there is a “high probability” his client will continue his career in Russia, as he is currently studying his options, which includes consulting with former Red Wing and current KHL player Pavel Datsyuk.

Babaev’s translated statement on Instagram — an account which Athanasiou follows — reads:

“I represent Athanasiou in Russia, we are currently considering different options, but we can say that with a high probability Andreas will continue his career in the KHL and he is ready to go to Russia.” Will this be Ak Bars, as they write in I can not confirm or disprove this information, but now Athanasiou is only studying the options, collecting information about the cities, including consulting with Pavel Datsyuk, who is familiar with the joint performances for Detroit. most clubs are occupied by legionary positions Athanasiou is a player of such caliber that he will find a place in any case.There are no such hockey players on the market and are not expected in the near future. ” The 23-year-old Canadian of Greek origin held 106 matches for the Detroit in the NHL, where he scored 44 (28 + 16) points.”

Athanasiou, 23, has posted 27 goals and 43 points in 101 career games for the Wings over the past two seasons.