The Tampa Bay Lightning made waves on Tuesday with the acquisition of veteran forward Cam Atkinson, inking him to a one-year contract worth $900,000. This pivotal offseason move is set to inject new vitality into the Lightning’s roster as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Atkinson, a Connecticut native, brings both talent and experience to Tampa Bay. The 35-year-old forward first entered the NHL spotlight as a sixth-round pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2008 NHL Draft. His career, marked by high-scoring seasons and bouts with injury, is a testament to his resilience and skill on the ice.
A New Chapter After Philadelphia
Atkinson’s journey to Tampa Bay comes after a contract buyout with the Philadelphia Flyers as their season concluded in April. For Atkinson, who missed the entire 2022-23 season due to herniated disk surgery, this move signifies a fresh start and an opportunity to reignite his scoring touch that once made him a two-time All-Star.
During his initial season with the Flyers in 2021-22, Atkinson proved his mettle by netting 23 goals and amassing 50 points over 73 games, marking his seventh 20-goal campaign. Despite the surgical setback, his past performance underscores his potential to make a significant impact for the Lightning.
College Days and Early Professional Career
Before making a name for himself in the NHL, Atkinson enjoyed an illustrious collegiate career at Boston College. Over three years, he scored 68 goals and tallied 124 points, including helping his team secure the prestigious Frozen Four title in 2010. His stellar performance also earned him a spot as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2011, an honor bestowed upon the NCAA’s top player.
Atkinson’s professional career kicked off with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he consistently demonstrated his offensive prowess. However, as his career progressed, injuries frequently hampered his play. Signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning now provides Atkinson with a renewed opportunity to contribute to a team eyeing another championship run.
Impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning
For the Lightning, Atkinson's addition is more than just a roster change; it’s a strategic move to strengthen their forward group with a player who has a proven ability to score and perform under pressure. His knack for finding the back of the net and his seasoned presence could be instrumental as Tampa Bay seeks to stay competitive in the ever-intense NHL landscape.
Atkinson’s signing is a testament to Tampa Bay’s belief in his capacity to bounce back and be an impactful player once again. The Lightning are banking on his depth and experience to fortify their championship aspirations.
As Atkinson laces up his skates for Tampa Bay, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this seasoned forward contributes to the Lightning’s quest for glory. With a career defined by resilience and scoring acumen, Atkinson is poised to make the most of this fresh start.