After making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 14 of 15 seasons, the San Jose Sharks have missed the postseason festivities for five consecutive years. It has been a particularly painful rebuild, as the team finished 19-54 during the latest NHL campaign. There might finally be a blinding ray of light amid the darkness, however, now that Boston University superstar Macklin Celebrini is due to arrive at the end of the month.
Since the franchise has a clear centerpiece of the future, it can reshape its vision. That process begins this offseason, via both free agency and the trade market. The Sharks already have a player in mind in the form of veteran forward Cam Atkinson.
The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move on from the 35-year-old and will likely be fielding calls from a number of teams. Although San Jose is receptive, there might not be anything the front office can do to complete a deal.
“SJ has trade interest, but sources say Atkinson isn’t keen on a move to the Sharks,” Darren Dreger of TSN reported on X. “Philly will eat a good chunk of the final year of his contract. Buyout is also an option, as is keeping him in the mix.”
The two-time NHL All-Star has a no-trade list in his contract, and based on this news, one could infer that the Sharks might be one of the 10 teams on it. Perhaps the allure of playing with one of the expected superstars of tomorrow could make Atkinson warm up to the idea of joining the last-place squad.
After all, both parties could use a fresh start next season.
Cam Atkinson might be most valuable on a team like the Sharks
New head coach Ryan Warsofsky is hopeful that the team is on the mend after an absolutely brutal stretch these last couple of seasons. He is confident competitive hockey will return to the SAP Center soon, and acquiring an experienced winger like Cam Atkinson could possibly help make that goal a reality.
The Connecticut native and former Columbus Blue Jackets star has endured tough times of his own in recent years. He suffered a neck injury that kept him sidelined for all of the 2022-23 campaign and struggled with the Flyers last season. Atkinson recorded only 28 points in 70 games.
With his questionable health, 5-foot-8 frame and declining production, he may not have the luxury to be picky. The Sharks might just be the team most willing to obtain Atkinson's services. And that, despite his apparent reservations, might not be such a bad thing.
He has proven to be a capable goal scorer in the past, totaling 20 or more in six different seasons (career-high 41 in 2018-19). Although those days might be over, Cam Atkinson can still potentially be a worthwhile contributor for San Jose. His veteran presence is also something to covet, as this group will need guidance for the next couple of years.
But considering that this is an important offseason for the floundering Sharks, they may not want to spend too much time pursuing a player who does not want to be there. This organization must find guys who buy into the new plan that it is hopefully putting into place in 2024 and beyond.
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