The Chicago Blackhawks officially have a new bench boss.
On Thursday, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Blackhawks have hired Jeff Blashill as their new head coach. The coaching change comes after former head coach Luke Richardson and interim HC Anders Sorensen led the club to a 25-46-11 record, leaving time to tell if Blashill is the right man to turn the ship around.
New coaching changes, especially in the offseason, can lead to roster shake-ups, so it wouldn't be surprising if Blashill's arrival spells bad news for Blackhawks veterans on the bubble. In fact, one underperforming forward should probably start packing his bags before the 51-year-old coach even makes it to the Windy City.
Andreas Athanasiou is as Good as Gone After Blackhawks Hire Jeff Blashill
One Blackhawk boasting a bleak outlook with the franchise is someone whom Blashill knows well: veteran forward Andreas Athanasiou. Chicago's new coach was with the Detroit Red Wings for nearly a decade, coinciding with most of the ex-2012 fourth-rounder's time with the Atlantic Division club (2012-20).
Having said that, Athanasiou isn't the same player who Blashill coached in the Motor City. The Woodbridge, ON native's early career was built on his reputation as one of the league's fastest players; however, the 30-year-old vet has only slowed down with time, capping his potential on-ice impact as Father Time shows no signs of slowing down.
Blackhawks fans have had a front-row seat to Athanasiou's regression ever since he signed a one-year contract during the 2022 offseason, followed by signing a two-year extension the next summer. He provided the Blackhawks with some decent offensive support with 20 goals and 20 assists in 2022-23, but his play since then has left much to be desired.
Between injuries and stints in the minors, Athanasiou has struggled amid his limited appearances during the last two seasons. Although he also has 11 goals and 27 points in 30 outings with the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs during that stretch, his AHL success hasn't produced similar results, proven by his only tallying three goals and seven assists in 36 games with Chicago during that time.
Athanasiou was a solid option for the Blackhawks when their roster was bare, but his services aren't needed now that the team's young core is successfully developing. With his becoming an unrestricted free agent in July, there isn't any incentive for the Blackhawks to bring Athanasiou back — especially if his recent play is any indication.
Unless Blashill is confident that he can rehabilitate his former Red Wings winger, there's a good chance the Blackhawks won't bring Athanasiou back to town this summer.