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Mlive believes Athanasiou may not be part of Wings future

December 5, 2019, 10:32 AM ET [10 Comments]
Jeremy Laura
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Mlive.com did a recent mailbag series, and you can read it here mlive

Not surprisingly, the questions opened up with “fire Blashill”, to which Ansar Khan responded in the same manner as expected, “to what end?”. A coaching change right now won’t really merit any meaningful change. The team is purging contracts at the end of the year and will, by default, be a vastly different squad.

What did surprise me was Mr. Khan’s answer to a question about trading Athanasiou. He first acknowledged that a change of scenery may benefit A.A., but the proceeded to say, “ Despite his speed and the finishing ability he has shown prior to this season, I don’t think he has a future in the organization”. That was a shocking twist.

This blog, and many others, deal strictly in observation based opinions. We gather facts and look for trends and make our best educated guesses. Ansar Khan is around the team all the time. I had the honor of meeting him at a couple of training camps. He is intense. Nothing makes the page unless he means it or has enough evidence to back it up. This may have legs.

The return, then, would have to be significant. Of course we all want 2021-22 high draft picks, but the core of this group is ready to turn a corner. Apart from a very special pick, draft picks are 2-5 years off of being ready to contribute at the NHL level. Joe Veleno had a spectacular pre season, but is struggling mightily adjusting to the AHL. Zadina went through the same last year and is showing better this year. There is a reality to that tough transition. And so, an NHL ready or nearly ready prospect or young defensemen would be desired. Someone roughly the same age as Larkin/mantha/Bertuzzi and able to match the culture.

If, in reality, Athanasiou is available, there will be no shortage of offers. Carolina would certainly love to add more speed to the forecheck. Pittsburgh has been mentioned before. Buffalo will be there too. And for contenders? Washington, Boston, St. Louis and Dallas could all come knocking. This is a special asset that isn’t easily replaced. That, also, is part of the surprise.

Virtually no trade will bring back Athanasiou’s speed. It will be hard to see that gone from this team. However, Yzerman understands the chess board as well as anyone. It is difficult to understand the precise fit for many players, and get them to understand and accept a very specific role if it doesn’t line up with their personality. Yzerman is still looking for intensity in every player. No just in performance, but in approach.

The results of the last blog regarding trades were clear. Fans love Anthony Mantha. I don’t think he’ll be available. However, Athanasiou is often a close second. Take some time in the comments to offer up a palatable offer for A.A. you may well find yourself in Yzerman’s wheel house.

You can read the last article here So you think you can GM?

I look forward to the comments!!!

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