New York Rangers' Interest In Cam Atkinson Won't Lead To A Deal

By Christopher Gamble

The New York Rangers have been linked to Jonathan Drouin recently as the Tampa Bay Lightning winger has requested a trade. Now the Rangers have been linked to another young winger in Cam Atkinson of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

There is serious speculation that after the trade of Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators there will be more trades coming in Columbus. Atkinson should be highly coveted by several teams, including the Rangers. He is a very good two-way winger with excellent puck-handling skills and a nice shot, boasting 12 goals and 13 assists so far this season. This puts him on pace for 24 goals and 26 assists, both career highs, and he’s coming off a 22-goal, 18-assist campaign, his second straight 40-point season.

The 26-year-old winger would be an upgrade for the Rangers in several areas. He would certainly be an upgrade over Emerson Etem who has struggled mightily this season. He could even be an upgrade over Chris Kreider at this point, given the struggles he has had this year.

The likelihood of a trade, however, is remote. Atkinson is quickly becoming a favorite of John Tortorella, and given Tortorella’s history with the Rangers, it isn’t likely he would be on board with one of his favorite players being traded to the team that fired him a couple of years ago.

Atkinson would fit the Rangers perfectly. They could use a forward who, despite his size — just 5-foot-7 , 173 pounds — can play on all ends of the ice. Too often the Rangers have shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and failure to be aggressive on defense. Atkinson could be just what the doctor ordered. The real problem is prying him away from Tortorella, who would want to keep a player who fits his system well, and finding a way to create the cap space to bring him on board. For now, these rumors will remain just that and shouldn’t be expected to go anywhere fast.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like