Tampa Bay Lightning Utilizes Cap Space to Bring Back Cam Atkinson

When the Lightning placed Cam Atkinson on waivers three days before the March 7 trade deadline, it set into motion a plan to use their accumulated salary cap space to improve the team without losing a known asset in the veteran forward.

Acquiring Gourde and Bjorkstrand

Tampa Bay was in the final stages of a deal with Seattle to bring back forward Yanni Gourde and acquire Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Kraken had agreed to retain 50% of Gourde’s salary, with Detroit taking on an additional 25%.

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.

Keeping Atkinson in the Fold

There was a risk that another team might claim Atkinson, but at a time when teams were looking to make every dollar matter, it seemed unlikely he’d be claimed.

Atkinson cleared waivers and was officially reassigned to AHL Syracuse at 2 p.m. the following day. Shortly afterward, the Lightning consummated the trade for Gourde and Bjorkstrand.

But it was important to the Lightning to do everything they could to keep Atkinson. It was part of BriseBois’ calculus all along. Atkinson never played a game at Syracuse and rejoined Tampa Bay a week later. He played Thursday at Philadelphia, scoring the tying goal that allowed the Lightning to pick up a point in an eventual shootout loss.

“We all want more opportunity,” Atkinson said. “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.

Value of Atkinson

Lightning brass know what makes a championship team, and every season that recipe needs to be reworked. Atkinson has been in and out of the lineup this season and was a healthy scratch in four of the five games before coming off the roster.

But at 35 and in his 13th season in the league, he knows his opportunities to win a Stanley Cup are dwindling. Though he hasn’t played much, Atkinson adds energy to the room few players can match.

Commitment to the Team

As strange as it might sound, going through the waiver process reemphasized to Atkinson that Tampa Bay was where he wanted to be.

Atkinson has just four goals and nine points in 38 games this season. He’s played in only one of the three games since rejoining the team, though he has points in three of his last four games. Though he’s seen the majority of his ice time in a bottom-six role, he still can provide valuable minutes at both 5-on-5 and on the power play.

Enduring Loyalty

The Lightning know it takes more than 18 skaters to win a Stanley Cup, and there is clearly something special that Atkinson brings, whether he’s on the ice or not.

“I started here, and I want to finish here,” he said. “Tomorrow’s not promised, and next season isn’t promised as well. If you ask for a trade, you never know where you may end up. I could be in the same situation, not playing, on a (worse) team.

“Everyone wants more minutes, but I know what we have here. I think we have an unbelievable opportunity to win, and that’s ultimately why I wanted to be here in the first place. And I think they value that and see that. And I’ve been pretty honest since day one, knowing my situation being an older guy and leader that people look up to, just being a good teammate, I think that goes a long way, whether you’re playing or not.”

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Conclusion

Cam Atkinson’s journey with the Tampa Bay Lightning showcases the value of loyalty and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. His commitment to the team and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances exemplifies the qualities of a true team player.

FAQs

1. Why did the Lightning place Cam Atkinson on waivers?

The Lightning placed Cam Atkinson on waivers to free up salary cap space for potential roster improvements without losing a valuable asset.

2. How did Atkinson’s return impact the team?

Atkinson’s return brought energy and depth to the Lightning lineup, demonstrating his value both on and off the ice.

3. What does Atkinson’s loyalty to the team signify?

Atkinson’s loyalty to the Lightning reflects his commitment to pursuing a Stanley Cup victory with the organization, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and unity.