Columbus Blue Jackets: Panarin and Atkinson Named to NHLN Top 20 Wings
The NHL Network had a special to announce the top 20 wings in the NHL currently. Columbus Blue Jackets Artemi Panarin and Cam Atkinson made the cut.
#9 – Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin has yet to suit up for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but fans should be excited to see the new winger play this upcoming season. Panarin tallied 30 goals and 77 points for Chicago last season. This outstanding point total put Panrin just in the top 10 at #9. The rest of the list could be found here.
The 25-year-old Russian wing is a huge addition to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Panarin and Atkinson are studs on the power-play. Panarin is going to add a sniper to an already heavy power-play. The Blue Jackets gave up Brandon Saad to acquire Panarin, but the Blue Jackets improve immensely on the offensive end.
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A lot of Panarin’s success has been linked to playing with the #1 winger on this list Patrick Kane, but this argument takes away from Panarin’s skill. Artemi is a stud offensively and even without his former linemate, Panrin should have another outstanding season with Columbus. Panarin is one of the top skilled players to ever be with the Jackets.
#16 – Cam Atkinson
The only player on the Blue Jackets last season that cracked this list was Cam Atkinson. Atkinson tallied 35 goals and 62 points last season which is a career high. The undersized winger has continued to increase in goals as his age climbs.
The 28-year-old wing was a menace on the ice on special teams. Cam tallied points both on the power play and penalty kill because of his skill and speed. Atkinson showed her versatility with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Columbus Blue Jackets stole Cam Atkinson in the 6th round of the 2008 NHL Draft. Atkinson is listed at 5’8 but has played above his size. Atkinson like mentioned above has continued to improve and was named to his first All-Star team this past season.
Other Top Blue Jacket Wings
While they may not be in the top 20 wings in the NHL, Boone Jenner and Nick Foligno have made big impacts on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jenner regressed this season going from 49 points in 2015-2016 to 34 points.
Jenner still made an impact on the Blue Jackets. Boone is only 24 years old, but he is still a leader on and off the ice for the Columbus Blue Jackets earning the alternate captain “A”. He plays a two-way game that makes him lovable, but he does need to get back where he was scoring wise. The young wing had a down year but should be looked to bounce back.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ captain Nick Foligno has to be mentioned along with the other Jacket top wingers. Foligno looked to regain some of his 2014-2015 form. In 2014-2015 Nick tallied 73 points. This season he tallied 53 which doesn’t have the same ring but he still has shown that he still can produce offensively.
Foligno is the heart and soul of the Blue Jackets. He was the first since Rick Nash ripped the heart out of the Blue Jackets faithful. While Foligno has shown he can produce on the ice he earned both the Messier and Masterson Award for his off the ice work.
Related Story: A Look at Another Blue Jackets Position Group
Columbus has depth like they have never seen before. It can be argued that the wings are the deepest position group along with the defense. Columbus’ top four wings are going to truly be fun to watch.