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Another team enters the mix for Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou,
Keystone Press

Another team enters the mix for Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou,

A ton of pressure on the Red Wings GM.

HockeyFeed

HockeyFeed

The Detroit Red Wings are in a very tough spot when it comes to restricted free-agent Andreas Athanasiou, and it may have just become an even tougher job for general manager Ken Holland to pull off.

While Anthanasiou is currently a restricted free-agent, a status that means any rival team in the National Hockey League would need to present an offer sheet to sign him, the Kontinental Hockey League is under no such obligations. 

For weeks now there have been rumors suggesting that at least one KHL team has made Athanasiou a serious offer, and now that number of teams has grown. 

KHL insider Aivis Kalnins is now reporting that he has heard talk suggesting that KHL franchise Yekaterinburg Automobilist now also has serious interest in Athanasiou and are "aiming to sign him."

Making matters worse is the fact that many believe the Red Wings will be forced to make a move prior to the start of the regular season, and all of this has put tremendous pressure on Ken Holland to make the right decision. 

It seems clear now that the KHL is a serious player in these negotiations, and should the Red Wings lose Athanasiou for nothing, it could mean very bad news for Ken Holland and his future with that organization.

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