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Andreas Athanasiou Not Going to Columbus, Instead Goes to Oilers

It appears another forward is on the move as Andreas Athanasiou from the Detroit Red Wings is him to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was rumored earlier on Monday from Eric Francis that Andreas Athanasiou was moving from the Detroit Red Wings to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic had also noted the rumors saying, “reportedly close to a trade for Andreas Athanasiou. That would be an interesting move, as Athanasiou has the same agent as Josh Anderson, Darren Ferris.” Portzline didn’t reveal the team involved.

Portzline was right not to name the Blue Jackets because it was instead the Oilers who were adding Athanasiou. The return has not yet been determined but early reports are it will be two 2nd-round picks from the Oilers and Sam Gagner. The Oilers will also get forward Ryan Kuffner.

The trade doesn’t come as much of a surprise as he was held out of the lineup for their game on Sunday for asset management purposes, which is “code” that a trade is probably close at hand. He’s been up and down in Detroit this season but in Edmonton, the expectation is that he could flourish alongside the best player in the NHL.

Related: Reports Are Chris Kreider Will Extend With New York Rangers

Obviously, the Red Wings are a poor team this season and were sellers at this year’s deadline. Athanasiou had the potential to be one of their better forwards but has scored only has 10 goals during 2019-20 season. He has come on of late and this could be good timing by the Oilers. He’s got speed to burn and some suggest could be a great fit for McDavid without Edmonton’s need to touch the Leon Draisaitl, Kailer Yamamoto and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins line.

It’s not likely Athanasiou will match his 54 point season in 2018-19 but he could come on strong and if so, the Oilers have control of the contract as Athanasiou is an RFA at the end of the season.

One risk here is that Athanasiou’s minus-43 rating is the worst in the NHL.

The Oilers Have Anything Left?

The Oilers added Mike Green on Sunday night as they were taking on the LA Kings. There’s also been speculation they could be in on Tyler Ennis out of Ottawa. Holland is doing his best to add for a team that deserved to have a few players for their playoff push. Whether or not he gets anything else done will be interesting to see.

Related: Danton Heinen Traded to Ducks for Ritchie

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