With his contract negotiations stuck in neutral, what better place for Andreas Athanasiou to head than Switzerland? Darren Ferris, Athanasiou’s agent, confirmed via text that Friday night, the restricted free agent Detroit Red Wings forward would be on a flight to Switzerland and would begin skating with Lugano of the Swiss League. What this means long-term is anyone’s guess at this point. Will Athanasiou eventually sign with Lugano if his contract impasse with the Wings is not soon resolved. It could be another bluff to try and force Detroit’s hand, similar to his threat to sign with the KHL during the summer months. He could sign with Lugano and then would be eligible to play for Canada in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Or he could simply be there to stay in shape in the hope that a resolution with the Wings will eventually be found. But the fact that he’s taken this drastic step to travel to Europe certainly appears to be an indication that the two sides remain far apart. The Wings have reportedly held steadfast on their offer of a two-year deal worth $1.9 million per season, while Athanasiou’s camp is said to be seeking $2.5 million per season. Either pact will blow a hole in Detroit’s salary cap structure and result in some blood-letting, but agreeing to the latter pact would have long-term implications for the Wings, who must sign forwards Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha to new deals when they become RFAs at the conclusion of the current season. In his first full NHL season in 2016-17, Athanasiou was second on the Wings with 18 goals. There is a Red Wings flavor to the Lugano club. Forward Damien Brunner, a Wing in 2012-13, plays for the team. Greg Ireland, an assistant coach with Detroit’s AHL farm club in Grand Rapids from 2003-05 and head coach from 2005-07, is Lugano’s coach. Ireland coached the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack from 2011-15, a time when Athanasiou was playing in the league with the London Knights and Barrie Colts. Kronwall Update Defenseman Niklas Kronwall (groin) will stay on the shelf as the Wings play their first road game of the regular season Saturday at Ottawa against the Senators. “He skated on his own today,… Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s day to day right now but he won’t be in tomorrow night.… Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer
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