What Happened After Cam Atkinson Was Waived By The Tampa Bay Lightning?

A few days before the NHL's trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning put former Jackets great Cam Atkinson on waivers. Of course, this sent Columbus fans into a frenzy, begging GM Don Waddell to "bring him home." 

The next day, Atkinson cleared waivers and was assigned to the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. "There was no way he would report to the minors," was the thought of many. 

On trade deadline day, the Lightning acquired Yanni Gourde and former Blue Jacket Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. Some thought that this meant the end of Atkinson's tenure in Tampa. 

According to Tampa Bay Times reporter Eduardo A. Encina, the Lightning had a plan for Atkinson all along. 

Per a report from Encina, "The Lightning had spent most of two months playing with just 18 skaters in order to accrue day-to-day cap space, so general manager Julien BriseBois was prepared for the moment. But he needed still more space to complete the deal. Atkinson, who carried a nominal $900,000 annual cap hit on a one-year deal, needed to come off the roster to make it work."

Encina continues, "It was important to the Lightning to do everything they could to keep Atkinson. It was part of BriseBois’ calculus all along."

After not playing for Syracuse, Cam was back with Tampa a couple of days later, where he played against Philadelphia.

Atkinson told Encina, “We all want to be that go-to guy, which I was in the past. But I’m comfortable and OK with where I’m at and just being here with the guys. The last couple weeks were definitely interesting."

“But I give so much credit to Julien and the management and the coaching staff and all the leaders in here and even the young guys. Even though it was kind of a lull and uncertain times, they made me feel as much a part of it as possible. I know that doesn’t happen for a lot of people," Atkinson says. 

Per Encina, "Before Atkinson was placed on waivers, BriseBois told him that if he cleared he’d return to the team in a matter of days. The Lightning simply needed to accrue enough daily cap space to add him back, and that took a week. Atkinson couldn’t officially participate in team activities, but he was able to skate on his own after the Lightning left the ice."

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a master plan for Cam Atkinson, and they did very well not to tip their hand before putting him on waivers. No team picked him up and he was able to return to the Bolts, where he wanted to be. Atkinson's Lightning will make the playoffs and he'll finally get a chance to play for a Stanley Cup. The road won't be easy for Tampa, but they have the pedigree and experience to be able to make that run. 

General Manager Julien BriseBois proved why he's one of the best GMs in the league, and good on him for treating Cam Atkinson so well.  

Cam Atkinson played in 627 games for Columbus before being traded to Philadelphia in the summer of 2021. He scored 213 goals and totaled 402 points for the Blue Jackets. 

His 627 games played rank 3rd all-time in CBJ history. The 402 points he amassed are 2nd all-time, his 213 goals are the 2nd-highest, and the 189 assists are 5th in CBJ history. Atkinson is #1 in franchise history with 16 shorthanded goals and second with 42 power-play goals. He's also the franchise leader with 6 career hat tricks. 

Atkinson also had a 40-goal season in 2018-19 and made two All-Star games for the Jackets.  

What's Next: Columbus welcomes the Florida Panthers into Nationwide Arena tonight. 

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.