TRAVERSE CITY - Lack of consistency has been the biggest issue for Andreas Athanasiou during his short time in the NHL.
Perhaps playing center, with more responsibility defensively and in the faceoff circle, the fast-skating, enigmatic forward will be engaged for longer stretches.
With Henrik Zetterberg's career over, the Detroit Red Wings need another center to join a group that includes Dylan Larkin, Frans Nielsen and Luke Glendening.
Athanasiou is the natural choice. It's where he has played the majority of his career, including the 2014-15 season under coach Jeff Blashill with the Grand Rapids Griffins, when he garnered good reviews.