Coach Luke Richardson hopes speedy forward, out since Nov. 9 with mysterious "groin" injury, will play again this season.
If you search "Athanasiou" on X/Twitter, a TV news report on a horrific trainwreck in Greece from last year pops up at the top. https://x.com/AretiAthanasiu/status/1756407874626916762?s=20
How twistedly fitting, considering the Blackhawks lengthy casualty list this season.
Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou left a game at Tampa Bay on Nov. 9, 2023 derailed by a mysterious "groin" injury. The normally speedy 29-year-old wasn't spotted back on the ice until he skated on his own following Saturday's optional practice at the Fifth Third Arena.
Coach Luke Richardson hopes Athanasiou, one of only two 20-goal scorers on last year's Blackhawks team, is finally on track and will play again in 2023-24.
"I don't know where this will go timetable-wise, but it was a good first step on the ice," Richardson said. "He had a good gym day, yesterday or the last two days, which led to this.
"If he can obviously progress to practices, non-contact probably soon... That's just a good sign and I'm happy with that today, and he seems in a good mood." See following video.
Off the Rails
Chicago won that Nov. 9 contest against the Lightning 5-3 in Connor Bedard's first multi-point effort in the NHL (two goals, two assists). The dead-last Blackhawks have dropped 20 in a row on the road since that electric Thursday night when a wave of injuries started to hit and their season began to unravel.
Not only was Athanasiou hurt — leaving quietly in the second period after 10 shifts — at Amalie Arena as Blackhawks moms watched on. Former Hart Trophy Winner Taylor Hall suffered a torn right ACL on a freaky tangle-up with the Lightning's Michael Eyssimont late in the game. Hall tried to play, but eventually required season-ending surgery.
Athanasiou signed a two-year $8.5 million contract with the Blackhawks last June. General manager Kyle Davidson retained the versatile forward as part of a core of veterans to guide youngsters on his rebuilding club.
An OHL product, Athanasiou was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round. 110th overall, in 2012. He played five seasons with the Red Wings, topping out with 30 goals and 54 points in 2014-25.
The Woodbridge, Ontario native was dealt to Edmonton before the trade deadline in February 2020. Athanasiou then signed as a free agent with Los Angeles and Chicago.
Besides "Double-A," one if his listed nicknames is "Athana-See-You-Later."