The time for making big trades during the NHL off-season is almost certainly over. While it is still possible that a name like Evander Kane or Matt Duchene finds a new home before camps open up next month, the most likely scenario is that the major movement is done.
Another possible exception to this rule is Detroit’s Andreas Anthanasiou, who is currently an RFA but is threatening to sign in the KHL for the upcoming season. The 23 year old center is a dynamic young player who dazzled offensively with the Wings a year ago. In his first full season with the club, he registered 18-11-29 in 64 games. They aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they are solid for a young player on a poor club.
It’s safe to say that the 6’2” pivot is only growing and that his game will only improve as time goes on. With that in mind, the Oilers should consider pursuing him if his contract situation continues to be an issue.
One of Detroit’s best sportswriters, Ansar Khan, wrote over at MLive on Wednesday that Anthanasiou’s agent says his client is considering offers from the KHL as his contract situation stalls. It’s possible Anthanasiou is simply playing one of his leverage cards here, but it is also possible that he is dead serious about heading to Russia.
For the Red Wings, this is the past repeating itself. In the late 2000’s, a young Jiri Hudler pulled the same stunt, leaving the club when he was an RFA to pursue a bigger contract in the KHL. He returned to Detroit after one season in Russia and has been in the NHL ever since then.
Khan speculates that the Red Wings could have offered Anthanasiou a two-year bridge deal worth $1.5 million per season, a bargain if he continues to grow. If Khan’s speculation is even somewhat correct, then the Oilers could fit him under the cap. Perhaps a little more money (say, $2.75 million a year) could entice him to not only sign, but add on a third year to the contract.
So, What Does He Do Well?:
During the “Off-Season Targets” series every spring, I pay a visit to The Hockey News and use their scouting reports to help describe players. I’ve taken another trip there to find out more about Anthanasiou. Here is his scouting report via The Hockey News.
| ASSETS: |
|---|
| Is a highly skilled forward with supreme skating ability. Is also a sound two-way player who can be used in all game situations (and play all forward positions). |
| FLAWS: |
| Needs to fill out his 6-2 frame to maximize output at the highest level. At times he teases with his talent, so he must put it on display at all times in the NHL. |
| CAREER POTENTIAL: |
| Speedy, talented and versatile forward with upside. |
What Would He Cost?:
The Wings are in a tough spot right now because they are a poor team and are in salary cap hell. Edmonton has some room, but the Oil simply cannot afford to take on a bad contract in addition to Anthanasiou. Adding his contract by itself will take up most of the remaining room.
Could Detroit, who is desperately looking for defenders, be interested in Ethan Bear or Caleb Jones? Neither player will be ready for the NHL this season, but they could be a nice piece for the Wings during their rebuild. They would also be cheap and would be under team control for the foreseeable future. Perhaps one of those prospects and a pick entices Detroit.
There is also the possibility that a larger deal could be worked out. Perhaps the Oilers are comfortable with moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and would send him to Detroit in a package including Anthanasiou. Personally, I wouldn’t do that and I doubt the Oilers would right now, but it is food for thought.
I’d suggest a higher-end prospect and a 2nd or 3rd round pick could get this deal done right now.
Final Thoughts:
Peter Chiarelli and Todd McLellan appear content to try Anton Slepyshev, Drake Caggiula and Jesse Puljujarvi again this season. I’m confident in all three youngsters, but there is also a chance that none of the three are ready to jump up and consistently take a top-nine spot by the horns.
Adding another fast and highly-skilled young player to the core can’t hurt, and Anthanasiou could provide another long-term option in the top-six moving forward. His ability to play center is also appealing, as Todd McLellan has a tendency to play multiple centers on lines.
In the end, I expect Anthanasiou to re-sign with the Red Wings and for Detroit to keep the player. However, if these negotiations continue to stall, Chiarelli should be making a call. This is a good young player that could be part of this core moving forward. It would be a welcomed addition in my mind.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
