Ryan Johansen and Andreas Athanasiou… they’re very similar in a couple important ways; they have both – at different times – chosen to stay away from their teams when coming off of an entry-level deal. This was largely due to the purgatory that is being a restricted free agent without arbitration rights. In addition, like Johansen from Columbus a few years back, Athanasiou appears to be on his way out the doors of the Detroit Red Wings organization. This is a hard concept for many Red Wings fans-casual and hardcore alike-to wrap their heads around. Athanasiou has been lightning in a bottle for a roster that with an occasional exception has noticeably lacked explosiveness and creativity.

It is a shame that this standoff appears to be coming to a head. It is going to result in the loss of a fan favorite and arguably the best chance the Wings have at an all-star caliber player. Red Wings super fan, Danny Clare, had a short and sweet (but likely a common response) when asked his thoughts about trading Athanasiou, “I would be angry. I don’t think it is smart…unless we could get a good/young top defenseman”.

Unfortunately, like many others, Danny is likely to be disappointed with the return for Athanasiou because there are few (if any) good/young defensemen available via trade. Ken Campbell touched on the subject in his recent article via TheHockeyNews.com; he noted that the Red Wings have received plenty of calls but the most interest has come from the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings. All three have interesting options that would likely be available via trade and below we explore options that would be the best fit/best return (hopefully I can stay within the realm of reason and not go completely Red Wings homer) for the Red Wings in the event of a trade.

Of the three teams, they are by far the most “win-now”. In my book, that means they’re the most likely to provide a good return. Another contributor to WingsNation.com, Brock Seguin, said it best, “Move him (Athanasiou) to Ottawa and give me Logan Brown and let’s move on”. Truly, the Wings would be hard pressed to do better in terms of a prospect than Logan Brown. He projects as a top line center and despite the impressive preseason from Rasmussen, that would make him the Red Wings future top line center. While many may not consider Thomas Chabot and Colin White prospects anymore, NHL.com does consider them as such, listing both of them ahead of Brown on their top prospects list for NHL.com. You’ll notice that they list a defenseman in the top 5 of Ottawa’s prospects, they also note Ben Harpur’s “mean streak” and his ability to “contribute offensively”. Considering the Red Wings are devoid of scoring ability, it is probably best to ensure that the return is for a highly skilled offensive player, not just a defenseman who could contribute offensively.

The Kings have the best farm system of the three teams, but it isn’t exactly something to call the presses about. We could discuss Gabe Vilardi until the cows come home but it is highly unlikely we would see him involved in any deals for Athanasiou (though you can be darn tootin’ that I would be asking anyhow if I was Ken Holland). While he would certainly be the best option, as he is their top prospect, the one that would still be beneficial (in a year or two) and more likely is Jarret Anderson-Dolan (hat tip to Brock Seguin again). Per NHL.com, he is reliable defensively, good on face-offs and comes with offensive upside. There are a few others (Adrian Kempe and Paul LaDue) but they don’t necessarily fit the archetype of the player the Red Wings are targeting; more importantly, they aren’t guys that can be stashed for a season or two in juniors or in Grand Rapids. In this case, I would think that while he could develop into a 2C, it is more likely that he is a bottom 6 center, so I would expect another asset coming the Red Wings in a deal involving Anderson-Dolan.

As far as I’m concerned, the farm system for Montreal is badly depleted. It is arguably in the bottom 3 to 5 in the NHL. This is notable for me because locally, it is the worst kept secret that the Red Wings have badly mismanaged their prospect pool and the draft for some time. It was only recently that some top picks have seemed to turn some corners and have a future at the NHL level (though few project as top 6 forwards or top 4 defense and none – including Rasmussen – project as elite prospects). A much maligned but highly skilled forward should not only be the primary target for the Red Wings but is also the most logical of all those discussed. Alex Galchenyuk was once considered one of the elite prospects as a center coming into the NHL. Unfortunately for him but potentially benefiting the Red Wings, he has yet to live up to his lofty draft stock and expectations. It certainly seems that his development has been mishandled, at best, and downright botched, at worst by Montreal. Then (you’ll see below) we find out he is playing on the left wing of the fourth line in the early stages of the season, it certainly seems that he would be available in a trade.

It would likely need to include an additional asset but it is plausible that a straight up deal for what appears to be a rising star in Athanasiou and struggling player who was expected to be a star, would make sense for both sides. Athanasiou would likely slot in top 6, worst case top 9 to start and while Galchenyuk would like start in the top 9; it shouldn’t take too long of a time for him to work his way into the top line for Detroit.

Obviously, there are good returns to be had but if we are to believe that Red Wings do not need to go into a full rebuild mode then Galchenyuk should be the primary target. Logan Brown should be the secondary target, if they’re willing to accept that this team is not a contender and give it a few years before acting as such. Regardless of which side you fall on this (the Red Wings botched this negotiation, Athanasiou is improperly valuing himself in the current market or neither) it is clear the Red Wings need to take action. There is a legitimate risk of seeing Athanasiou walk to Europe or the KHL and while they don’t lose him (they will hold his RFA rights upon his return), the relationship is likely beyond repair. Additionally, there is no telling how his development could be stunted playing elsewhere; would the Red Wings – or anyone else for that matter – want him at point? His value is likely never going to be higher than it is right now, Ken Holland needs to show some savviness that he’s lacked in recent years and make a move now to ensure a proper return of investment.