Andreas Athanasiou extends in Chicago

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Forward Andreas Athanasiou is visibly attracted to the possibility of playing with Connor Bedard as he agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

According to many sources, including NBC Sports Chicago, the deal would be worth a total of $8.5 million. The Ontarian will benefit from a salary increase, having agreed to a one-year pact for $3 million in 2022. 

Athanasiou was to become an unrestricted free agent again, but Hawks” insisted on retaining the services of one of their two 20-goal scorers from last season. The 28-year-old added 20 assists for a total of 40 points. It was tougher defensively, as evidenced by his differential of -29. 

Obviously, the prospect of playing with Bedard is enticing. Barring a huge surprise, the Blackhawks, winners of the draft lottery, will set their sights on him with the first round of talks. 

Athanasiou has amassed 236 career points in 459 games with the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and Blackhawks.