Chicago Blackhawks Place Andreas Athanasiou on Waivers for Assignment to the Rockford IceHogs
Jonathon McDowell 
(FOXSPORTS.COM)
In an interesting roster move, the Chicago Blackhawks have placed forward Andreas Athanasiou on waivers with the purpose of sending him to the Rockford IceHogs, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Athanasiou, who has played 5 games this season without recording a point, will head to the minors if he clears waivers. The Blackhawks decision underscores both the team’s need to address early-season struggles and Athanasiou’s own challenges in finding his game this year.
A Veteran Struggling to Make an Impact
Andreas Athanasiou, 30, came to the Blackhawks with the reputation of a speed-driven forward who could bring an offensive spark and veteran experience. Known for his breakaway speed and sharp offensive instincts, Athanasiou has been a consistent presence in the NHL over the last decade, with stints on several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings. However, despite his career strengths, he has not managed to deliver for Chicago this season. Going scoreless through his first five games, Athanasiou has not been able to find his footing, and his lack of production likely factored into Chicago’s decision to place him on waivers.
A Noteworthy Contract and Salary Consideration
Athanasiou’s waivers assignment is particularly notable considering his contract status. Currently, he is in the final year of a two-year contract with the Blackhawks, which has an average annual value (AAV) of $4.25 million. This salary, coupled with his veteran status, made the waiver move a bold choice for the Blackhawks, as Athanasiou’s contract could be challenging for other teams to take on mid-season. Still, for Chicago, clearing a portion of his cap space could free up flexibility, allowing the organization to pursue other options to bolster the lineup or give prospects more playing time at the NHL level.
Chicago’s Early Season Struggles Fuel Roster Shifts
The Blackhawks have faced an uphill battle this season, starting with a 6-9-1 record. With an inconsistent offense and unsteady team performance, Chicago has seen some bright moments but ultimately hasn’t achieved the level of consistency it hoped for. The slow start has likely increased pressure on the front office to make changes, evaluating who can contribute to their success and who may need to adjust their approach. Moving Athanasiou to the AHL is just one of several adjustments the Blackhawks may consider as they aim to build chemistry, structure, and resilience throughout the lineup.
First Return to the AHL in Nearly a Decade
For Athanasiou, this assignment marks a return to the American Hockey League for the first time since the 2015-16 season, when he was still developing his game as a prospect in the Detroit Red Wings organization. His time in the minors helped establish him as an NHL caliber forward, but being sent down at this stage in his career could bring a different set of challenges and motivations. Returning to the AHL at age 30 may be a humbling experience for Athanasiou, but it also represents an opportunity to reset and refine his game, potentially putting himself back on the radar for an NHL recall.
What the Future Holds for Athanasiou and the Blackhawks
Should Athanasiou clear waivers, he will head to Rockford, where he’ll have a chance to regain his scoring touch and showcase his value. The Blackhawks’ decision raises questions about what the future holds for the veteran forward, especially as he approaches the end of his contract. If he performs well in the AHL, Athanasiou could earn another call-up, but he will need to make an immediate impact to secure a consistent role in Chicago’s lineup.
For the Blackhawks, the move could be part of a larger strategy to retool the roster and address the need for stability and energy. With high expectations for development and the aim of a stronger second half of the season, Chicago may look to make other adjustments, focusing on players who can contribute to the team’s long-term goals.
Final Thoughts
The Blackhawks choice to place Athanasiou on waivers reflects a desire to reconfigure their team and find a winning formula. As a skilled veteran with notable speed, Athanasiou’s career has been marked by flashes of brilliance, but this season’s struggles have highlighted the challenges he faces in consistently producing at the NHL level. The Blackhawks, balancing between veteran presence and emerging talent, continue to shape their lineup in search of improved performance and a more cohesive team dynamic. For Athanasiou, a return to the AHL might be a turning point in his career, giving him the chance to reassess his game and potentially make one last push to reestablish himself as a dependable NHL asset.
