Using the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) as leverage in your negotiations is nothing new.
Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou and his agent likely know this. Nonetheless, they are reportedly considering the KHL for the 2017-18 season with Athanasiou still without a contract.
Athanasiou is one of the most exciting players in the game due to his speed and his goal-scoring ability. Despite playing bottom-six minutes throughout his short career, his rate stats put him near the top of the league in goal scoring.
While an offer sheet from another NHL team remains unlikely, the Detroit Red Wings salary cap situation is primo for a club to take advantage of their ineptitude.
Athanasiou's agent Darren Ferris told The Athletic via text, "I have received a considerable offer that is significant."
