DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings had good reason to be optimistic about Andreas Athanasiou following his breakout 2018-19 season.

He displayed consistency that was previously lacking, collecting 30 goals and 54 points. He was in line for a lucrative long-term deal with a similar season in the final year of his contract.

But halfway through, Athanasiou has struggled to score. The same can be said for most of his teammates, but more is expected from this lightning fast forward with proven finishing ability.

Athanasiou did not score a goal in his first 13 games (he had five assists), after missing part of training camp and the preseason due to injury.

Then he heated up, with five goals in seven games, culminating with a two-goal game at San Jose Nov. 16.

But he hasn’t scored a goal since then, a drought of 16 games (eight assists during this stretch).

Plus-minus is a statistic whose merits can be debated, but Athanasiou is a league-worst minus-35.

The Red Wings (9-28-3) have dropped six in a row heading into Tuesday’s game against San Jose at Little Caesars Arena, which marks the halfway point of the season.

Despite Athanasiou’s decline in production, he’s fifth on the team in points (19) and tied for third in assists (14), which speaks to the Red Wings’ scoring difficulty (league-low 2.17 goals per game).

“My focus on Doubles has never been on production, it’s been on the process of types of hockey you have to play to both produce and win,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “I think he’s done a better job of that in the last little bit. So, I’m not as worried about the production as I am about him making sure that his engagement level is really high, his competition level is really high and when it is, he’s a really good player.

“That doesn’t mean you’re always going to produce, but I think you create chances.”

Should Blashill move Athanasiou to center, where he finished the 2018-19 season and played well?

“I did play him at center the last couple games at different times,” Blashill said.

“When he’s engaged defensively, he can be a really good center. Is it something I’ve thought about? At different times, probably more in-game (switch), but I actually have done it and may continue to do it.”

Obviously, this is not the time to be locking up Athanasiou long term, so what are the Red Wings’ options?

Trade him before the Feb. 24 deadline: Several playoff-contending teams undoubtedly would be interested in adding Athanasiou’s speed and skills, believing he might break out in better surroundings. But would they part with a significant asset for a player whose struggles have spanned months, not just weeks? The Red Wings would relish another first-round pick, but Athanasiou’s trade value is low, so it’s probably best to hang onto him until the off-season and hope he picks up the pace the second half.

Trade him at or before the June 26 draft: This seems like the most viable option. By hanging onto Athanasiou for the remainder of the season, his trade value could increase with a better second half. Non-playoff teams could be added to the list of off-season suitors. And clubs will have more cap space.

Sign him to a one-year contract: If the Red Wings believe this season is an aberration and Athanasiou can return to his 30-goal form, they could sign him to a one-year contract for $3 million (his qualifying offer) and reassess next season. He would be 26 on July 1, 2021 and still a restricted free agent.

Steve Yzerman has made several relatively minor and virtually risk-free trades in his first eight months as Red Wings general manager.

Athanasiou might be the centerpiece of Yzerman’s first major move, and it doesn’t seem like a question of if, but a question of when.

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