from Ken Campbell of The Hockey News,
This time last year, Athanasiou was in almost precisely the same position he found himself this summer, with one notable difference. In 2017, Athanasiou was coming off a 19-goal season and was a restricted free agent. But he did not have arbitration rights. An ugly, ugly negotiation ensued between the two sides that resulted in Athanasiou missing training camp and the first 10 games of the season before signing a one-year deal worth $1.4 million that left both sides bitter and upset with each other.
Contrast that to this summer when, by all indications, the Red Wings were prepared to take another tough stance on negotiations with Athanasiou.