Red Wings trade Athanasiou to Oilers for Gagner, two draft picks

It’s been a long day for Red Wings fans, who have eagerly awaited what would happen with Andreas Athanasiou. Long been rumored in the trading mill, especially since Steve Yzerman took over as GM, Athanasiou has finally been dealt.

The trade: Athanasiou and Griffins’ winger Ryan Kuffner to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Sam Gagner and two second round draft picks. Both draft picks are Edmonton owned and are in 2020 and 2021. In addition, 10 percent of Gagner’s contract will be retained to help facilitate the trade for the cap-strapped Oilers.

Athanasiou sat out of Sunday’s game due to precautionary reasons. From that point, it was clear Yzerman had intentions of moving him. Earlier in the day, reports suggested Columbus would be the trade partner in question. Nevertheless, Ken Holland and the Oilers ultimately stepped up.

This deal comes hours after these same two clubs agreed on a deal to send Mike Green to Edmonton.

Coming to Detroit is Gagner, who is a pending free agent this Summer. Gagner could be flipped later in the day for more draft capital. However, the real point of emphasis in this trade is the two second round picks. Athanasiou’s shaky defense may have scared teams away from offering up a first round pick/top prospect.

We will have more coverage on the trade, as well as the rest of the trade deadline later on. Stay tuned.