Andreas Athanasiou, Red Wings agree on two-year, $6 million deal

Center Andreas Athanasiou and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to terms on a two-year deal for $6 million.

Athanasiou was a restricted free agent and held arbitration rights, so the Wings and the 23-year-old will avoid that process this summer.

At the end of the Red Wings’ season in April, Athanasiou reiterated his desire to remain with the Red Wings. However, he was considered a trade candidate given the Wings’ uneasiness with his inconsistency and defensive lapses over his first three NHL seasons.

“This is one of the greatest organizations in the NHL,” Athanasiou said then. “If I get the opportunity to play here, it’s unbelievable. The main thing is trying to get this team back to a playoff position, so you’re a contender for the Stanley Cup.”

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Athanasiou had 16 goals and 17 assists in 71 games last season (15:19 average ice time), with a team-worst minus-15 rating.

Athanasiou, drafted by the Wings in the fourth round in 2012, earned $1.39 million last season on a one-year contract.