Cam Atkinson

Last updated

Cam Atkinson
Cam Atkinson 2014-12-13.JPG
Atkinson with the Columbus Blue Jackets in December 2014
Born (1989-06-05) June 5, 1989 (age 34)
Riverside, Connecticut, U.S.
Height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight 182 lb (83 kg; 13 st 0 lb)
Position Right wing
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 Philadelphia Flyers
Columbus Blue Jackets
National teamFlag of the United States.svg  United States
NHL Draft 157th overall, 2008
Columbus Blue Jackets
Playing career 2011–present

Cameron Thomas Atkinson (born June 5, 1989) is an American professional ice hockey right winger for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Atkinson was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 157th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Contents

Although smaller than most forwards in the NHL, he is known for his great speed, slick agility, soft hands, and excellent shooting skills. [1]

Early life

Atkinson was born on June 5, 1989, in Riverside, Connecticut, [2] the middle child of five born to Tom and Ellen Atkinson. All of the Atkinson children began playing hockey at a young age, and while Cam dabbled in "pretty much every sport", his two passions were tennis and ice hockey. [3] In 2004, Atkinson began attending Avon Old Farms, an all-boys' boarding school in Avon, Connecticut, known for its hockey team. [4] When he was 15 years old, Atkinson fractured both his tibia and fibula during a hockey tournament in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and he was told by a doctor that he likely would not skate again. Atkinson's parents had the doctor put his leg in a splint while they sought another opinion. The second physician recommended that a rod and two pins be surgically inserted into Atkinson's leg, and he made a full recovery. [5]

Playing career

Collegiate

Atkinson, smaller than most other hockey players at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) was generally overlooked by National Hockey League (NHL) teams during his draft year. He was ultimately selected in the sixth round, 157th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. [6] Rather than enter the NHL right away, Atkinson chose to honor his commitment to play college ice hockey for the Boston College Eagles. [7] His first collegiate goal was the game-winner in his debut game, a 5-4 win over the Wisconsin Badgers on October 10, 2008. He was named Hockey East's Rookie of the Week for the performance. [8] Atkinson played in all 36 regular-season games for Boston College during his freshman 2008–09 season, recording seven goals, including two game-winning goals, and 12 assists for a total of 19 points. [9] Despite the Eagles honoring Atkinson with the Bernie Burke Outstanding Freshman Award, he regarded his own season with trepidation, telling reporters that one "can't have the highest of expectations as a freshman". [10]

In the 2009–10 season, Atkinson led the NCAA in goals scored with 30, including two in the National Championship game. [11] During one stretch of the 2009–10 season Atkinson scored three hat-tricks in ten games. [12]

Professional

Columbus Blue Jackets

On March 27, 2011, Columbus signed Atkinson to a two-year entry-level contract that included an amateur tryout agreement to finish out the 2010–11 season for the Springfield Falcons, the Blue Jackets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. [13] [14] He made his professional hockey debut on April 1, 2011, scoring the game-winning goal in a victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. [15] He appeared in five games for Springfield that season, with three goals and five points in the process. [16]

His first NHL goal was scored on October 10, 2011, against Cory Schneider of the Vancouver Canucks, a game the Canucks won 3–2. [17] He was returned to Springfield after playing four games with Columbus in the 2011–12 NHL season. [18]

After his return to the AHL, Atkinson was named to the 2012 AHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team on January 4, 2012, as a result of his impressive play with Springfield during the 2011–12 AHL season, with 15 goals and ten assists through 30 games. He was one of 13 rookies named to the two All-Star teams. [19]

Atkinson with the Blue Jackets, November 2013 Cam Atkinson 2013-11-01.JPG
Atkinson with the Blue Jackets, November 2013

On April 5, 2012, Atkinson recorded his first career NHL hat-trick against the Colorado Avalanche in a 5–2 Blue Jacket win. [20] Atkinson recorded his second hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks to help the Blue Jackets win 5–2 on March 27, 2015. [21] [22] Atkinson recorded his third career hat trick during the 2015–16 season in a 5–2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. [23]

During the 2016-17 NHL season, Atkinson experienced a breakout season, recording phenomenal numbers and helping the Blue Jackets ascend to the top of the standings. He was named to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game as a replacement for Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin, who was pulled out from a lower-body injury. [24] Atkinson was previously considered to have been "snubbed" by being left off the original roster. [25]

On November 16, 2017, the Blue Jackets signed Atkinson to a seven-year, $41.125 million contract extension worth $5.875 million annually. [26] During the 2017–18 season Atkinson recorded his fourth hat trick against the Philadelphia Flyers to help the Blue Jackets win their sixth straight game. [27] [28]

Atkinson had statistically the best season of his career during the 2018–19 season. His 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points were career bests in each category. Atkinson also added 8 points in 10 games during the playoffs.

Philadelphia Flyers

On July 24, 2021, Atkinson was traded by the Blue Jackets to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Jakub Voráček. [29]

He did not play the 2022–23 NHL season due to having a herniated disc while also needing to undergo surgery in his left tricep. Atkinson was placed on the injured reserve after his diagnosis was discovered during training camp. [30] He would subsequently return to the team the following season.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2005–06 Avon Old Farms HS-Prep 2515203516—————
2006–07Avon Old FarmsHS-Prep2728245212—————
2007–08Avon Old FarmsHS-Prep2826376310—————
2008–09 Boston College HE 367121928—————
2009–10 Boston CollegeHE4230235330—————
2010–11 Boston CollegeHE3831215228—————
2010–11 Springfield Falcons AHL 53250—————
2011–12 Springfield FalconsAHL5129154431—————
2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 27771414—————
2012–13 Springfield FalconsAHL3317213814—————
2012–13 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL3599184—————
2013–14 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL792119401861230
2014–15 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL7822184022—————
2015–16 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL8127265322—————
2016–17 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL823527622252130
2017–18 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL652422461462242
2018–19 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL8041286920102684
2019–20 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL44121426683584
2020–21 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL561519344—————
2021–22 Philadelphia Flyers NHL7323275010—————
2023–24 Philadelphia FlyersNHL7013152827—————
NHL totals7702492314801833510162610

International

Medal record
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2018 Denmark
YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2012 United States WC 7th81234
2018 United StatesWCBronze medal icon.svg1074112
Senior totals1886146

Awards and honors

AwardYear
College
All-Hockey East Second Team 2009–10 [31]
NCAA All-Tournament Team 2010 [32] [33]
All-Hockey East First Team 2010–11 [34] [35]
AHCA East First-Team All-American 2010–11
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 2011 [36]
Hockey East Tournament MVP2011 [37]
AHL
AHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team 2011–12 [38]
NHL
NHL All-Star 2017, 2019 [39]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbus Blue Jackets</span> National Hockey League team in Ohio, United States

The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference, and began play as an expansion team in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Hartnell</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1982)

Scott Wesley Hartnell is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Hartnell was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, but grew up in Lloydminster, Alberta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Carter</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1985)

Jeffrey Jarvis Carter is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was drafted 11th overall by the Flyers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Delmore</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Andrew J. Delmore is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Delmore played 283 games in the National Hockey League (NHL), recording 43 goals and 58 assists for 101 points. He was considered an offensive defenceman, valued for his proficiency on the power play. He is currently an assistant coach with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derick Brassard</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Derick Brassard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. He previously played in the NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers and the Edmonton Oilers. The Blue Jackets selected him in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artem Anisimov</span> Russian ice hockey player (born 1988)

Artem Alekseevich Anisimov is a Russian professional ice hockey centre who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL). Anisimov has also previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators. The Rangers originally selected him in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Foligno</span> American ice hockey player (born 1987)

Nicholas Foligno is an American professional ice hockey left winger and alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 28th overall by the Ottawa Senators during the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Foligno was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets six years later, and eventually was named the team's captain for six seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jakub Voráček</span> Czech ice hockey player (born 1989)

Jakub Voráček is a Czech professional ice hockey right winger currently under contract with the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted seventh overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 2011, Voráček was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Jeff Carter. He played for the Flyers until 2021 when he was traded back to Columbus in exchange for Cam Atkinson. He has also played in his native Czech Republic for HC Rabat Kladno and HC Lev Praha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Gerbe</span> American ice hockey player (born 1987)

Nathan David Gerbe is an American former professional ice hockey player. Selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Gerbe played for the Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets during his National Hockey League (NHL) career. At 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) tall, Gerbe is the shortest skater in NHL history, and the second shortest player in NHL history behind goaltender Roy Worters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike McKenna (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player

Mike McKenna is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. McKenna was selected in the 6th round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators and played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Johansen</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1992)

Ryan Johansen is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Growing up, he played minor hockey in the Greater Vancouver area until joining the junior ranks with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for one season. In 2009–10, he moved to the major junior level with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). After his first WHL season, he was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He would play five seasons with them before being traded to the Nashville Predators for Seth Jones in January 2016. Playing parts of eight seasons with Nashville, he was a key part of seven straight postseason berths for the Predators, including a trip to the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. Nearing the end of his contract as the Predators declined, he was traded to the Avalanche in the 2023 offseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Cracknell</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1985)

Adam Cracknell is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Calvert</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1989)

Matthew Dean Calvert is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche during his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the fifth round, 127th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matthew Ford (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player

Matthew Ford is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played most notably in the American Hockey League (AHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Clendening</span> American ice hockey player (born 1992)

Adam Clendening is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing for Ilves of the Finnish Liiga. Clendening was raised in Wheatfield, New York. He was selected 36th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anton Forsberg</span> Swedish ice hockey player (born 1992)

Anton Forsberg is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Forsberg also played for the Lake Erie Monsters and went undefeated during the playoffs en route to winning the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Karlsson</span> Swedish ice hockey player (born 1993)

Lars William Karlsson, nicknamed "Wild Bill", is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. In addition to playing for Vegas, Karlsson has also played in the NHL for Anaheim and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boone Jenner</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)

Boone Robbie Jenner is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oliver Bjorkstrand</span> Danish ice hockey player (born 1995)

Oliver Bjorkstrand is a Danish professional ice hockey forward for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bjorkstrand was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Bjorkstrand is the son of American hockey coach Todd and the brother of Patrick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonny Milano</span> American ice hockey player (born 1996)

Frank "Sonny" Milano is an American professional ice hockey left winger who is currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

References

  1. ↑ Howe, Jeff (March 31, 2010). "BC's Chris Kreider, Cam Atkinson Among Players to Watch During Frozen Four". NESN. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Blue Jackets spotlight: Cam Atkinson". The Columbus Dispatch . September 5, 2018. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  3. ↑ Fischer, Jim (October 5, 2016). "Candid Cam: At home with Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson". Columbus Alive . Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Meet Cam Atkinson –the Blue Jackets' unlikely leading scorer". SportsNet . The Canadian Press. January 13, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  5. ↑ Bonjour, Doug (April 13, 2017). "Blue Jackets' Cam Atkinson Rebukes Naysayers With Standout Season". The New York Times . Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  6. ↑ McCaig, Sam (February 18, 2021). "NHL All-Star Teams By Draft Round: From the Lottery to the Last Pick". The Hockey News . Sports Illustrated . Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Three Hockey Players Selected In 2008 NHL Draft". BC Eagles. Boston College Athletics. June 21, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Atkinson Earns Hockey East Rookie Of The Week Honors". BC Eagles. Boston College Athletics. October 13, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Prospect Profile: Cam Atkinson". National Hockey League. Columbus Blue Jackets. May 15, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  10. ↑ Salomone, Dan (April 6, 2010). "Greenwich's Atkinson leads Boston College into Frozen Four". Greenwich Time . Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  11. ↑ Connolly, John (April 11, 2010). "Cam Atkinson reaches goals". The Boston Herald. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
  12. ↑ Marrapese-Burrell, Nancy (April 9, 2010). "Atkinson helped to hold the line". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Forward Cam Atkinson Standard Two-Year Entry Level Contract". National Hockey League. Columbus Blue Jackets. March 27, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  14. ↑ Brown, Garry (March 31, 2011). "Boston College's Cam Atkinson to make pro debut with the Springfield Falcons". The Republican. Springfield, MA. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  15. ↑ Fornabaio, Michael (November 12, 2011). "Falcons' Atkinson: 'Wherever I am, it's fun'". Greenwich Time. Archived from the original on October 30, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  16. ↑ Arace, Michael (September 27, 2011). "Michael Arace commentary: 5-7 Atkinson could loom large in Jackets' future". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  17. ↑ Vancouver Canucks at Columbus Blue Jackets Game Recap – 10/10/2011
  18. ↑ Berlet, B. "Whale Suffer Shootout Loss in Home Opener". Connecticut Whale. Retrieved October 17, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  19. ↑ "2012 ALL-STAR ROSTERS UNVEILED". TheAHL.com. Springfield, Mass.: AHL. January 4, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  20. ↑ "Blue Jackets 5, Avalanche 2". cbssports.com. April 5, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Cam Atkinson lifts Blue Jackets past Blackhawks". March 27, 2015. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  22. ↑ Hedger, Brian (May 27, 2015). "Atkinson's hat trick lifts Blue Jackets by Blackhawks". NHL.com. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Cam Atkinson nets hat trick to lead Blue Jackets past Canadiens". cbc.ca. January 25, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Cam Atkinson added to NHL All-Star Game roster". NHL.com. January 17, 2017. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  25. ↑ Clinton, Jared (January 10, 2017). "NHL ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS, AND THERE ARE A FEW SNUBS AND SURPRISES". The Hockey News. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Blue Jackets sign Cam Atkinson to a seven-year contract extension". NHL.com. Columbus, OH: Columbus Blue Jackets. November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  27. ↑ Kimelman, Adam (March 15, 2018). "Blue Jackets hang on to defeat Flyers, gain in Metropolitan". NHL.com. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  28. ↑ Carchidi, Sam (March 15, 2018). "Flyers' recent collapse continues in loss to Columbus". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Flyers acquire forward Cam Atkinson for Jakub Voracek". Philadelphia Flyers. July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Cam Atkinson Gets Emotional and Finally Reveals The Injury That's Held Him Back All Year". Flyers Insider. April 14, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  31. ↑ "Cam Atkinson Profile". The Hockey News.
  32. ↑ "NCAA Frozen Four Records" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  33. ↑ National Hockey League (2010). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011. Triumph Books. p. 277. ISBN   978-1-60078-422-4.
  34. ↑ "Hockey East First-Team All-Stars". Archived from the original on March 21, 2011. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  35. ↑ "Hockey East Announces 2010–2011 All-Star Teams". Hockey East Online. Archived from the original on March 21, 2011. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  36. ↑ "2013–14 Hockey East Media Guide". Hockey East. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Hockey East Tournament 2011: Boston College Defends Title, Wins 5–3 Over Merrimack". SB Nation Boston. March 19, 2011.
  38. ↑ "CAM ATKINSON". TheAHL.com. AHL. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  39. ↑ "Cam Atkinson named to NHL All-Star roster". NHL.com. Columbus, OH: Columbus Blue Jackets. January 26, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by William Flynn Tournament Most Valuable Player
2011 		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.