Blackhawks Notebook: Could Andreas Athanasiou Be in the Lineup Tomorrow?

The Ottawa Senators didn’t need to lose anything to gain one of the Blackhawks now-former depth forwards. Boris Katchouk was claimed by the Senators as Chicago sees if Andreas Athanasiou is back for his first game since November. The Blackhawks also activated Nikita Zaitsev, sending down Isaak Phillips and Louis Crevier today.

Ottawa claims Boris Katchouk off waivers from Chicago.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 8, 2024

In 38 games this season, Katchouk had five goals and nine points, served as a gritty forward for the Blackhawks. He filled in when injury took a chunk out of the lineup back in January, but saw playing time and his ice time dip a bit lately. The move will help the Senators who won’t make the playoffs but are looking for depth as they figure things out for next season.

For Katchouk, he’ll play on a team that has a little bit more of a chance to fins a more permanent spot. He came over in the Brandon Hagel deal that netted Chicago two first-round picks and Taylor Raddysh.

A restricted free agent, the Blackhawks were fine with risking him being exposed on waivers. Could the move be a clue of how Chicago is making decisions before the offseason even hits? Or is it simply just a right move at the right time for Ottawa?

Whatever it is, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson wishes him well and believes that Ottawa will benefit from some of what Chicago did this season.

“At times he gave us some good boosts,”  Richardson said. “I don’t think it was consistent but even the team has been that way this season. This is a great opportunity for him, and it’s a good young team that has some good offensive powers. He showed at times here some good speed and offensive abilities so hopefully this is a good opportunity for him.”

Andreas Athanasiou Getting Closer, Might Play Tomorrow

With Katchouk leaving, the Blackhawks will be soon seeing when Andreas Athanasiou makes his return. Richardson noted that he’ll be in Washington with the team, and that they’ll see whether he is indeed ready to go.

“We’ve looked at a couple of places but there are a few lines that are going pretty good right now,” Richardson said.  “So he might have to just work his way up and get some feel out there, get some time out there. but wherever he goes, he’s always a dangerous asset out there because of his speed and his offensive intuition.”

Athanasiou hasn’t played since November 9th in the Blackhawks win over Tampa Bay. A groin injury kept him shelved a bit longer, but the speedy winger returning will bring some jump and the inevitable breakaway back onto the ice. So where he ends up really isn’t all that big of a deal.

“He always seems to get breakaways, even though every team always talks about those type of guys and keep your eye on them,” Richardson said.  “They seem to slip away at times and that’s him. So, I don’t think it’ll matter where he goes.”

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