According to multiple reports, the Boston Bruins have their eyes on Columbus right-winger Cam Atkinson. Boston currently sits four points ahead of Florida for the final wild card spot and is looking for more offensive fire power.
Financially, Atkinson’s addition would not make a dent in Boston’s collective wallet. According to the linked NBC Sports report, Atkinson only has a $1.15 million cap hit and is set to become a restricted free agent at the season’s end.
On the ice, Atkinson’s stock may not rise much higher than it is currently. He has registered six points in seven games since the All-Star break after only picking up one point in the 14 games prior. His recent spurt puts his point total at 21 for the season (11 G, 10 A.) Atkinson burst onto scene last season with 21 goals and 19 assists, playing a pivotal part in Columbus’s march to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Anyone know where the Cam Atkinson rumors came from? Because I’d be so down with that.
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) February 11, 2015
Transfer Atkinson’s numbers over to Boston’s roster and it would automatically receive an upgrade. Right wingers Loui Eriksson and Reilly Smith have combined for 58 points this season, but there’s a drop-off after those two at the right-wing spot. David Pastrinak and Craig Cunningham have been limited to 18 and 29 games respectively and have combined for only 11 points.
Throw Atkinson into the mix and the Bruins have three solid right wingers, which could make the difference in a tight playoff push.
On the Columbus end, the playoffs appear to be out of reach, barring a historic finish to the season. Looking toward the future, an Atkinson trade could bring prospects and picks into the mix. Should he leave, it will be intriguing to see who Columbus brings in on the right-wing with Corey Tropp and Jared Boll standing as the only right wingers on the books for next season.
I would love Atkinson in Boston. Imagine what he could do with Lucic and Krejci on his line. Make it happen Pete.
learn to spell.
I hope we don’t trade Cam to boston, I enjoy his play here, Besides none of our trades with boston have worked out for CBJ