Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Veteran Forward Cam Atkinson
In a significant offseason move, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Cam Atkinson to a one-year contract worth $900,000. This acquisition marks an important chapter for Atkinson, a veteran whose career has seen both prolific scoring and challenging injuries.
Atkinson, a native of Connecticut, was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. His recent tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers ended with a contract buyout, which took place just after the Flyers' regular season concluded in April. Now, at 35 years old, Atkinson is ready to start anew with the Lightning and aims to make a substantial impact on his new team.
A Career Defined by Scoring and Resilience
Known for his scoring prowess, Atkinson has demonstrated remarkable offensive abilities throughout his career. He is a two-time All-Star who particularly shined during his debut season with the Flyers in 2021-22, netting 23 goals and amassing 50 points over 73 games. This performance marked his seventh 20-goal season, showcasing a consistent knack for finding the back of the net.
The 2022-23 season was a difficult one for Atkinson as he missed the entire year due to herniated disc surgery. Prior to that, he had shown tenacity and skill, recording 13 goals and 28 points in 70 games in his last active season. His resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial as he integrates into Tampa Bay's forward lines.
Collegiate Success and Early Professional Years
Before turning professional, Atkinson spent three years at Boston College, where he was a standout player. He scored 68 goals and accumulated 124 points during his collegiate career. One of his notable achievements was winning the prestigious Frozen Four in 2010, a highlight that underscored his potential. Furthermore, Atkinson was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2011, an honor bestowed upon the NCAA's top player.
Atkinson began his professional journey with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he spent the majority of his career prior to joining the Flyers. His tenure in Columbus solidified his reputation as a reliable scorer and a valuable team player.
A Fresh Start in Tampa Bay
By signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Atkinson is presented with a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute to a team with championship aspirations. The Lightning, having recognized his potential, are eager to add depth and experience to their roster. Atkinson's proven ability to score and his experience in high-pressure situations could be pivotal as Tampa Bay aims to remain competitive in the NHL.
The decision to bring Atkinson on board underscores the Lightning's belief in his capacity to be an impactful player once again. His journey through highs and lows has prepared him for this moment, and both Atkinson and the Lightning are hopeful that this new partnership will yield significant rewards.
As Atkinson prepares to don the Lightning jersey, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his return to the ice unfolds. With his track record of resilience and scoring proficiency, there is much anticipation for what he can bring to the team.