Andreas Athanasiou’s reluctance to take the money and run to Russia would appear to favor the Detroit Red Wings – and his long-term career.

Athanasiou has had an offer from KHL team Ak Bars for around 10 days, but has yet to sign.

“This is a very important decision for Andreas and he (is) taking the necessary time to consider this options,” Darren Ferris, Athanasiou's agent, said in a text to the Free Press on Saturday. “There is plenty of time before the season starts.”

The Wings open camp Friday. Their first game of the regular season is Oct. 5.

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The KHL season already is underway.

Athanasiou, 23, is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights. Entertaining an offer from another league is leverage in talks with the Wings. Ak Bars has offered Athanasiou a deal for one year in the range of $2.5-$3 million. The Wings have offered Athanasiou two years at $1.9 million per season.

The money in Russia (and the possibility of playing in the Olympics) may sway Athanasiou.

The Wings need Athanasiou because he is one of the few dynamic forwards on a team that may struggle to score. He had 18 goals among 29 points in 64 games in 2016-17. They also need him at a salary cap number that bears consideration for the fact that both young stars Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are entering contract years.

If Athanasiou does go to Russia, the Wings retain his NHL rights.

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Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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