Athanasiou's rights belong to the Detroit Red Wings but the two parties have not been able to come to terms for the past couple of months. According to TSN, the 23-year-old forward is seeking a contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million while the Red Wings are set on spending only $1.9 million per year for his services.
Athanasiou will start practicing with Lugano and then assess his options. HC Lugano has confirmed the arrival of the forward. They, however, point out that they will not offer a contract to him as they are "fully satisfied with the performance of their four import players". The 2012 fourth-round pick has appeared in a total of 106 NHL games for the Red Wings, scoring 28 goals and 16 assists.
Athanasiou has not yet signed a contract or made any commitments in SUI. Will assess his options once he begins skating there.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2017
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Last Update: 07 October 2017, 01:45 AM | mso/jca
