Cam Atkinson
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Birthday:
1989-06-05 |
Position:
RW |
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Eligible for draft:
2008 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2008 |
Height:
5-9 |
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Acquired:
6th round (157th overall), 2008 |
Weight:
165 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2007-08: Cam Atkinson was one of the his high school team’s leaders this season, helping them to win the New England Ice Hockey Championship. Atkinson used his speed and scoring ability to change the outcomes of game. He was effective in all three zones, and he showed good work ethic and determination.
2008-09: Atkinson appeared in 36 games as a freshman for Boston College, recording 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points, leading all freshman in scoring during a down year for the Eagles.
2009-10: Appearing in all of BC's 42 games, Atkinson led the team with 53 points, including a team high 30 goals to go along with 23 assists. He was named the NCAA Northeast Regional Most Outstanding Player for his 4 point weekend, including a hat trick against Yale. He scored 3 goals at the Frozen Four, including a pair in the Eagle's National Championship victory over Wisoncsin. Atkinson also earned the Paul Hines Award for Most Improved Player from the New England Hockey Writers.
2010-11: Atkinson signed a two-year entry-level contract with Columbus in March 2011 and made his pro debut with AHL Springfield after a junior season at Boston College in which he was the Hockey East tournament MVP and was a finalist for the coveted Hobey Baker award. Atkinson scored 3 goals with 2 assists and was +2 in five games with Springfield. In 39 games for Boston College, which won the Hockey East regular season and tournament championships, he scored a team-high 31 goals with 21 assists and was +21 with 28 PMs. Five of his goals were game-winners and he scored 8 power play goals and 4 short-handed goals.
2011-12: Atkinson started off the year in the NHL, but after five games left him a -5 rating he was sent to the AHL. In Springfield he scored 29 goals in 51 games and finished with 44 total points before playing for the US in the World Championships. He played on the US’ third line with Detroit’s Justin Abdelkader and Anaheim’s Kyle Palmieri and finished the tournament with three points in eight games. After the World Championships, Atkinson got called back to Columbus and finished the year with points in five of his last six games (including his first NHL hat trick on April 5th against Colorado). He finished the year with 14 points in 27 NHL games.
Talent Analysis
Atkinson is a real worker bee, with a knack for contributing offense both often, and at critical times. He has very good speed and stick-handling skills. Is fearless going into corners and fighting for loose pucks. He is small but will battle with larger opponents. Is not afraid to take the puck to the net. Plays well in all three zones. Owns a very good shot, which he gets off in a hurry.
Future
After impressing in his limited time with the Blue Jackets last year, Atkinson has reserved himself a spot on the team for opening day. His tremendous puck skills and awareness should only improve over time. His first full season in the NHL will show if his size will allow him to play at hockey’s highest level.
