Boston Bruins Are Interested In Cam Atkinson

Nov 7, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets forward

(13) looks on before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The trade deadline is approaching and the Bruins are still looking for a right winger.  Given some recent trade rumors, it seems as though the Columbus Blue Jackets are toying with the idea of parting ways with Cam Atkinson. If this is true, the Bruins are interested and could possibly make a move for acquisition.

Throughout his tenure in Columbus, Atkinson has shown his natural ability to play as a right winger. Sure, he isn’t known as one of the best in the league and Columbus has some promising prospects who could step in, but he’s only 25 and has a lot of potential. Potential that could pay off for a team like the Bruins.

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The Bruins are looking for a player who is natural in the right wing position but is trainable to play their style of two-way hockey. Atkinson fits this role. One of his key attributes is his ability to generate scoring opportunities along with his speed, two qualities that the Bruins could use among the second line with Bergeron and Marchand.

According to theunionblue‘s scouting report;

"Atkinson is a strong offensive player, and was a Hobey Baker finalist at BC (you probably already know that). his skill is best realized when he’s put in a line that gives him the time and space he needs to snipe. His size is the most obvious disadvantage – the club lists him at 5’8″ – but, with the injuries the Jackets have faced this season he’s found a way to add a physical side to his game. He does not see a lot of time on special teams but isn’t a liability on the power play.There seems to be some difference of opinion between the current Jackets system and Atkinson. He was benched late last season and was challenged by head coach Todd Richards to play more physically. It’s a compliment to Atkinson that he’s added that to his game."

"Atkinson is a standard go-to on shootouts and actually leads the Jackets in GWG this season. Many are high on him, believe his potential isn’t yet truly realized – but it’s about fit in an organization."

"Off the ice, he’s obviously a fit for the NE, big into music – he picks the team win song – and is known (jokingly) for his love of his (small) dogs."

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With Bergeron’s ability to create space, he and Atkinson could become quite the pair with his need for extra space to unleash a sniper.  This fit could be the type of threat and extra edge the Bruins have been looking for.

Last season Atkinson had 21 goals and 40 points total on the season, career-high totals. This season, though he struggled a bit having a considerably long stretch where he didn’t really contribute, he is still on pace to match those totals. He managed to take 216 shots on net last season, which would have placed him at second on the team, just behind Patrice Bergeron.  Given his statistics paired with his talents, he would make a fairly decent top-six forward for the Bruins.

While the Bruins have been open about being interested in Chris Stewart and those talks are still ongoing, Atkinson seems like a better fit.  According to a report from NBC Sports, Stewart holds a $4.15M cap hit as opposed to Atkinson’s $1.15M.  He is also younger and has ties to Boston having attended Boston College for three years. This solution would be cheaper (and not much of an issue at all) for Boston and give them, if nothing else, some more trading leverage come the end of the season.  A solid contributor who comes at a cheaper cost with the potential to grow into a consistent and solid top-line forward.

While the stellar athleticism that David Pastrnak has brought to the table has seized the urgency for the Bruins to find a right wing replacement, they’re still shopping. With the team being so far off track as opposed to recent years and visibly struggling to find some sort of consistency, there is no question that changes need to be made, especially given potential injuries during the playoff run. Adding an extra winger into the mix couldn’t hurt.