Three Potential Destinations for Andreas Athanasiou

When Andreas Athanasiou was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, everyone thought it would be the perfect fit. Turns out that wasn't the case at all, and two points in nine games and no points in the playoffs is what followed. Just not good enough for the Oilers, who gave up two second-round picks for Athanasiou and now appear to want nothing to do with the player.

So, what's next for the 26-year-old free agent, who happens to be one of the youngest players on the market. Can he find a 200-foot game and limit being scored on while on the ice, as a -46 last season, just isn't good enough.

Here's three potential destinations for Andreas Athanasiou:

Ottawa Senators

The Senators are still trying to work their way to the salary floor and have some room on their bottom-six. Athanasiou could help the Sens fill out their team as they still only have 19 NHL contracts, and only 38 overall contracts, the maximum and normal is 50. The one-time 30-goal scorer in Detroit has blazing speed, and playing with a defense first center may be the be scenario for Athanasiou. Someone like Chris Tierney could be a good fit.

Buffalo Sabres

Sabres GM, Kevyn Adams has mentioned the team is committed to winning and are still looking to add to their roster, Athanasiou could fit in perfectly. An offensive left-winger for the team's bottom-six and someone who can produce with second power-play minutes with newly acquired Eric Staal. Athanasiou's speed would fit in nicely for the Sabres, who love to play an up-and-down game and a one-year 'show-us' contract could follow Taylor Hall's lead and be just what the doctor ordered for both the team and the player.

Vancouver Canucks

The team keeps losing their players to the Calgary Flames, but if they are able to land a defenseman first, expect the Canucks to come calling. The team has limited cap space so there would need to be one move, before the other, but there's no doubt the Canucks are interested. After J.T Miller, Vancouver is thin at left-wing so this could be a good set up for the player to produce.

The Edmonton Oilers must be kicking themselves in the ass for dealing two 2nd-round picks for 9 games. Regardless of the player, that's horrible return on investment.

For Andreas Athanasiou, he knows his Oilers days are likely behind him and he's just looking for a chance to prove himself again.