Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks Forward Andreas Athanasiou Clears Waivers, Joins IceHogs

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated Nov 13, 2024 11:04 AM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks assigned forward Andreas Athanasiou to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs after he cleared waivers on Tuesday.

Athanasiou appeared in just five NHL games and didn't record a point in the season's early going as he fell out of favor in the Blackhawks' forward group. The veteran forward scored 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 2022-23, his first season in Chicago, but has been plagued by injuries and underperformance since signing a two-year extension.

Athanasiou carries a $4.25 million salary cap hit at the NHL level, making it unsurprising he cleared waivers. The 30-year-old's cap hit will be reduced to $3.1 million upon his assignment to the AHL.

He’s heeeeeeere
Van Andel Arena #GoHogs pic.twitter.com/3e6mysxOHu
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) November 13, 2024

Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson hopes Athanasiou can get back in a rhythm seeing regular minutes in Rockford.

"We need him to just go play some games and get his skill matched up with his confidence," Richardson said.

While his long-term NHL future remains unclear, Athanasiou will have an opportunity to elevate Blackhawks' prospects with the IceHogs in the short term. Standout forward Frank Nazar leads Rockford with 11 points in nine games, and his skill paired with Athanasiou's speed could make for some highlight-reel moments.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks' forward group will continue to feature the likes of Joey Anderson and Craig Smith, both of whom are better bottom-six fits due to their defensive prowess.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: