NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers interested in Cam Atkinson
The New York Rangers have expressed interest in Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson
Just one day after starting 2016 off with a bang by trading franchise center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Seth Jones, the Columbus Blue Jackets are now getting calls about forward Cam Atkinson. One of the teams calling is their division rival New York Rangers.
Hearing rumblings that #NYR have called, yet again, regarding #CBJ RW Cam Atkinson, who has quickly become a favorite of John Tortorella.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 7, 2016
Cam Atkinson would be a great fit with the Rangers. The Rangers love speedy forwards who have skill. Atkinson certainly fits that description. While Atkinson is undersized at just 5’8″ and 180 pounds, it’s worth noting that Martin St. Louis was quite diminutive and was a huge part of the Rangers’ success during his tenure in New York.
The 26 year old Atkinson has 25 points in 40 goals this season. He would be a great fit for the Rangers because he is an excellent possession player. He has a 51.7 percent Corsi For percentage and has a Corsi For relative percentage of 5.2 percent. The Rangers are one of the worst puck possession teams in the NHL so Atkinson would be a significant upgrade in that regard.
It remains to be seen if the Blue Jackets have any interest in trading Atkinson to a division rival but Cam Atkinson would certainly be a good fit with the Rangers.