We are just an hour into the afternoon, and the NHL has already seen an interesting day. Just moments after the blockbuster trade between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, which saw Evander Kane head east and Tyler Myers head up north. In all, the Jets sent two players to Buffalo while receiving four players plus a first round pick.
So, that happened before your lunch break today.
Also happening, is NBC Sports reporting that the Boston Bruins are interested in Cam Atkinson, but unfortunately, the article doesn’t give much specifics. Essentially, Boston is hard in the market for a scoring winger, and are also interested in another Sabre in Chris Stewart, but in terms of finances, Cam makes more sense.
Broad Street Buzz
SBNation’s Jackets Cannon
that Atkinson could, and to some extent should, be the first Blue Jacket to be moved, but the Bruins are the first true team to announce that there’s interest. And, as we Blue Jackets fans know, there’s a lot to like with Atkinson – he’s quick (probably first and foremost), is coming off a career high year in points (although, I’m not sure how much weight that carries now over halfway into this year’s season), and is only under one more year of control at a relatively cheap price.
IF Cam Atkinson is moved, the question becomes who do the Blue Jackets get in return? The popular twitter consensus is Reilly Smith.
@UnionandBlue Reilly Smith? It doesn't make much sense on their end, but I believe he's arbitration eligible and they're strapped for cash.
— Pucks of a Feather (@PucksofaFeather) February 11, 2015
@UnionandBlue Reilly smith
— Brett Sidoryk (@iamTwigggy) February 11, 2015
Smith brings with him two years in Dallas and is currently in the middle of his second year with Boston, and 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 54 games played. He played all 82 regular season games for the B’s last year, and averages just under 16 minutes on the ice a night. To put that in perspective against Cam, he’s averaging just over 17 minutes on the ice a game, and has 21 points through 48 games played with 11 lamp-lighters and 10 helpers.
It’s really a toss up trade, if indeed this is what the Bruins offer to the Blue Jackets. There’s no doubting that Atkinson is a fan favorite and it’d be hard to see him leave, but if the Jackets are better in the long run for it, why not?
How do you feel about Cam Atkinson potentially leaving Columbus? Who do you see the Blue Jackets getting from Boston for #13? Let us know in a comment below or on twitter by tweeting us @UnionandBlue.