Athanasiou saga: Wings are not budging for a very good reason!

Maybe this will have Athanasiou accept an offer...

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Athanasiou saga: Wings are not budging for a very good reason!
Keystone Press

The Detroit Red Wings and Andreas Athanasiou's agent have returned to the table to resume contract negotiations after a long pause, but the two sides are still far from an agreement. 

GM Ken Holland and agent Darren Ferris both say "nothing has changed or that there is nothing to update at this time", according to MLive's Ansar Khan

Here is what we know: "the Wings have offered the 23-year-old forward a two-year deal worth $1.9 million a season, which would buy one year of his arbitration rights. They have also offered a one-year contract at $1.25 million, which would give Athanasiou an opportunity to earn more in 2018-19 through arbitration."

However, the free agent is seeking more money: he wants $2.5 million per season. Comparing his numbers to other NHL players', the Wings are not budging. 

Josh Anderson agreed to a three-year deal worth $1.85 million per season with the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday: he recorded 17 goals and 29 points in 78 games.

Calgary Flames' Sam Bennett signed a two-year deal with a $1.95 million cap hit in the off-season. He amassed 31 goals and 63 points in 159 games. Both of these players are also represented by Ferris. 

Finally, Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Brown, agreed to three years at a $2.1 million cap hit. He's coming off a 20-goal, 36-point season and has 21 goals and 42 points in 89 games overall.

Now, here is why the Wings are not budging: Athanasiou had 18 goals and 27 points in 64 games last season. Overall, he has 27 goals and 43 points in 101 games.

No progress has been made for now... but maybe Ferris will see the comparables too, soon enough.

Source: MLIVE.com