NHLTR: Islanders and Red Wings working on a Athanasiou trade

The New York Islanders are in a position of power. They have been rolling this season, have a slew of cap space and a wealth of picks and prospects to trade for a playoff push. It appears they have set their sights on the struggling Detroit Red Wings and more specifically, Andreas Athanasiou.

The 25-year-old Athanasiou, is making $3-million this season, and is a restricted free agent at season's end. With only 5 goals in 29 games, his stock continues to decline, and on a struggling Red Wings club, that's not a good recipe for receiving a ton in return. According to sources connected to the Wings, Steve Yzerman is ready and willing to move Andreas Athanasiou.

The Wings are looking for draft picks and prospects at this point, as the team is in full rebuild mode. The Wings have limited interest in disgruntled prospect, Josh Ho-Sang, however, they do like Isles' forward, Michael Dal Colle.

As we have seen with Robby Fabbri's emergence in Detroit, sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to jump start your career. Andreas Athanasiou is hoping that's the case with him.