10 Massive Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Targets for the NHL Trade Deadline

Andreas Athanasiou (F)

In 2012, the Detroit Red Wings found a diamond in the rough by drafting Andreas Athanasiou in the fourth round, 110th overall. In 2018-19, he had a 30-goal season, a mark he hasn’t been able to replicate. Now playing in his eighth NHL season, Athanasiou could make a nice addition to a playoff bound team.

The Maple Leafs should have interest thanks to Athanasiou’s ability to speed up the game and put opponents on their heels. He can also play all three forward positions though he shoots left and has spent most of his time on the wing. This versatility can only help Coach Sheldon Keefe juggle his lines.

Athanasiou bet on himself this summer, signing a one-year $3 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is proving that he remains a top-six forward in the league who can produce for his club. On the Maple Leafs, however, Athanasiou’s role would be better suited as a bottom-six player. He can inject offense and energy when the team’s core players are resting. It throws a a different look at opponents, which can be difficult to defend.

At age 28, through his first 19 games of the season, Athanasiou has a total of six goals and three assists which has pushed him to 205 career points. He has also racked up 18 penalty minutes this season.

For the Leafs, there could be added motivation for Athanasiou to perform, playing in front of his childhood friends and family. Born in Mississauga and playing his minor hockey in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, there should be no shortage of friendly faces in the crowd for every Leafs home game.