Blackhawks’ Andreas Athanasiou, Maple Leafs’ Matt Benning and Avalanche’s Kaapo Kahkonen placed on waivers
The Chicago Blackhawks have placed forward Andreas Athanasiou on waivers. Athanasiou has appeared in five games, registering zero points.
The 30-year-old is in the final year of a two-year contract worth $4.25 million per season that he signed with Chicago in 2023.
Waivers: Athanasiou (CHI) as previously reported.
Benning (TOR) & Kahkonen (COL) too
During the 2023-24 campaign, Athanasiou was limited to just 28 games after suffering a groin injury. He tallied two goals and nine points in that frame.
The Detroit Red Wings originally selected Athanasiou in the fourth round, No. 110 overall, of the 2012 NHL Draft. The London, Ontario native made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 2015–16.
Athanasiou peaked with 30 goals and 54 points in 76 games with Detroit during the 2018–19 season. The Red Wings ultimately traded Athanasiou to the Edmonton Oilers ahead of the 2020 trade deadline.
In 492 career games over parts of 10 NHL regular seasons with the Red Wings, Oilers, Kings, and Blackhawks, Athanasiou has collected 17 goals and 118 assists for 245 points. The six-foot-two winger has added two goals in 15 career Stanley Cup playoff contests.
In other waiver news, the Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defenseman Matt Benning on waivers. Benning has appeared in seven games this season, registering zero points, all with the San Jose Sharks. Benning was acquired by Toronto in exchange for Timothy Liljegren.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche have placed Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers. Kahkonen signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets this past summer after splitting last year between San Jose and New Jersey. Kahkonen was put on waivers by Winnipeg after Eric Comrie won the backup position. He struggled throughout most of the season after previously emerging as one of the better young goalies early on during his tenure with the Minnesota Wild.