Former Columbus Blue Jacket Cam Atkinson On His Way Out Of Philadelphia?

Bill Meltzer of Flyers.NHL.com has reported that former CBJ Cam Atkinson could be on his way out of Philadelphia. This news is sure to fire up the Blue Jacket faithful, but don't get too excited. 

Atkinson, a former 6th-round pick of the Blue Jackets, played 10 years in Columbus and 627 games. While in Columbus, he amassed 213 goals and 402 points. His goals and points are both 2nd all-time in Blue Jackets history, while his 627 games are third all-time. Atkinson was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Jake Voráček on July 24th, 2021. The trade shook Blue Jackets fans, but deep down I think everyone understood it made the club better. Voráček went on to play in 90 games and tally 68 points. Jake was forced to retire after suffering a concussion while playing in a game on November 6th, 2022. 

Cam Atkinson has played in 143 games for Philadelphia since being traded. He has scored 36 goals and has 78 points. He missed the 2022-23 season due to a herniated disc and also had surgery on his bicep. His time in Philly hasn't exactly gone as he had hoped. 

This news today has CBJ fans and media asking if the Blue Jackets could or would bring him back. The short answer, and the correct one would be no. Where the team is in terms of rebuilding and needing to stay on course, there is no reason why they should bring him back. 

He is a beloved member of the Columbus community, but his time playing as a Columbus Blue Jacket is over, sadly enough. 

At 34 years old, Cam just isn't a fit right now for the Blue Jackets. 

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