Update: Holland breaks silence on Athanasiou situation

Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou has been embroiled in a contract statement with his team for months now. What started as jilted negotiations in the summer has moved into the fall with no resolution in sight. Following a last ditch effort from Wings GM Ken Holland last week to bridge the gap and come to terms with the 23-year-old winger, Athanasiou and his agent have gone silent on their plans.

Now, Holland is breaking his silence to the public and letting everyone know his stance on the situation. Talking to Fox Sports Detroit Holland said, "I want him in the lineup. "He's an important player for us not only today but going forward," he added.

Holland also confronted the rumor that Athanasiou may turn to the KHL to get his money. "If Andreas decides that the KHL is the way he wants to go then that's the decision he has to make, and I don't think that there's anything that I can do or anyone can do if that's the decision he wants to make," he said.

So, what’s next? The ball seems to be in Athanasiou’s court. The Wings have made, in Holland’s estimation, their best offer. Now it’s up to the youngster to decide whether he’ll accept it or move on elsewhere.