According to multiple reports on Wednesday evening, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Andreas Athanasiou to a two-year extension that carries a $4.25 million AAV.
Athanasiou, who turns 29 on Aug. 6, signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks before last season worth $3 million. He produced 20 goals and 20 assists, earning him a two-year stay in Chicago. Eight of his 13 even-strength assists were primary helpers, and he scored 14 of his 20 goals at 5-on-5 as well.
This seems real rich to me for a 40 point winger who brings nothing defensively to tell you the truth.
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 7, 2023
After signing three consecutive one-year deals, Athanasiou was hoping for some certainty moving forward in his career. He spoke about liking it here during his exit interview with the media, but whether or not the Blackhawks saw him as a short-term fit was questionable. Obviously the coaches and front office saw enough to bring him back.
Double-A led the Blackhawks with 67 even-strength high-danger scoring chances last year (according to Natural Stat Trick). Late in the season after the Blackhawks had traded away a many of their top offensive players, Athanasiou saw some action at center as well; he finished the season winning just under 47 percent of his faceoffs, but head coach Luke Richardson liked his improvement in that area late in the year.
His speed couple compliment youngsters Connor Bedard and Lukas Reichel nicely.
