Cam Atkinson isn't going anywhere. The Blue Jackets forward and last year's team leading scorer has signed a new seven-year contract extension with the squad, which will keep him in Columbus through the 2024-25 season.
Not bad for a sixth-round pick, right?
Of course, with any big signing, there's bound to be analysis, especially in this case when it takes one of the best potential free agents off the table for the upcoming season.
Over at Pro Hockey Talk, the big question is: "How long will this count as a bargain?" Yet, writer James O'Brien says the potential is there for Atkinson to live up to the new deal.
Overall, there’s definitely some risk involved in this Atkinson extension, yet we’re talking about a player in his prime who’s riding four consecutive 20+ goal seasons. If he can flirt with his breakthrough of 37 goals in 2016-17 fairly often, the Blue Jackets will be very happy with their decision.
Atkinson had been off to a somewhat slow start in 2017-18 (four goals, two assists in 15 games coming into Thursday), so maybe this extension will ease his mind, too?
At SBNation, writer Satchel Price focuses on what the signing means for the Blue Jackets' salary cap situation, which becomes even more crunched going forward. The team already has more than $38 million committed to nine players for the 2019-20 season. They will also have to try to re-sign Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky and Zach Werenski.
Those deals give the Blue Jackets some needed cost certainty, and at least a couple of them look like potential bargains. ... For the next couple seasons, Columbus looks to be in a position of strength. ... But the following offseason in 2019, danger looms for the Blue Jackets. Their list of free agents for that summer — when they’ll already have at least $38 million tied up in nine players, plus whatever commitments they make between now and then — is staggering.
On Twitter, there has been plenty of reaction, including a quick analysis by Micah Blake McCurdy.
Cam Atkinson (7x5.75m) is a top-line scorer at both 5v5 and 5v4 with some clear defensive weaknesses. Promotes Fun. I approve. pic.twitter.com/rM5uFUHKHp
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) November 17, 2017
Some others on the analysis side seem to like what it means for Atkinson and the Blue Jackets.
A 5.75M cap hit for 7 years for Cam Atkinson is pretty fair considering his shot and goal scoring ability. Big free agent off the market. #CBJ
— Brennan Klak (@nhlupdate) November 17, 2017
Cam Atkinson's 2017 has been pretty good so far. #NHL All-Star, lead #CBJ in scoring, get married, sign long term deal reportedly worth more than $40 million. Pretty good year.
— Dave Maetzold (@DMaetzMedia) November 17, 2017
Others in the hockey community were happy for Atkinson.
Congrats to my good buddy @CamAtkinson13 on signing an extension with @BlueJacketsNHL. Such a great player, even better guy. #CBJ
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) November 17, 2017
Teammates also were on board to keep the long-time Blue Jacket in union blue.
Congrats to my lineup @CamAtkinson13 on the new contract! Well deserved and Im proud of you my brother!#moneyontheboard #morebackdoortapins
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) November 17, 2017
Congrats to my boy @CamAtkinson13 on the 7 year deal! You earned it! #CBJ #littleguybigshot
— Matthew Calvert (@mattcalvert11) November 17, 2017
Supporters of the team, of course, approved of the deal that locks down the team's leading scorer last year.
https://t.co/jguI4jm5fp congrats @CamAtkinson13 you deserve it and as a #CBJ fan I am so grateful to get to see you continue to get better and continuing to create great memories for us fans in #Columbus.
— Dancing Kevin (@kschroeder1720) November 17, 2017
Pumped to have @CamAtkinson13 for seven more years! #CBJ
— Jordan David Mills (@Jordeck) November 17, 2017
Congrats @CamAtkinson13 from a Wisconsin @BlueJacketsNHL fan, I couldn't be more excited! #Camsanity #WellDeserved pic.twitter.com/KiXL1ofIhO
— biglamb8 (@biglamb8) November 17, 2017
