REPORT: Rangers trying to acquire Cam Atkinson

Atkinson sneaks one by Lundqvist (Getty)

Atkinson sneaks one by Lundqvist (Getty)

The Rangers who had previously expressed interest in acquiring the 26 year old forward are at it again according to the Columbus Dispatch.

I guess GM, Jeff Gorton is testing the water to see if Columbus is about to start a fire sale as they moved Ryan Johansen yesterday to Nashville for defenseman Seth Jones.

Atkinson has 12 goals and 25 points in 40 games with Columbus and is on pace to set career highs in points. His cap hit is a reasonable 3.5M for the next 2 years. Are the Rangers looking for some help on the top two lines? Atkinson could also solidify a third line as well with his speed, physicality and scoring ability.

He is an energy guy, albeit small, and would certainly help the Rangers. He could also be used on the PK and give the opposition fits with agitating style. As for trade pieces the other way? This is a big question mark.

Is Columbus looking to add more defense? Is Dylan McIlrath on the move? Even so, the Rangers would need to add a piece like Emerson Etem to sweeten the pot. Is it Jesper Fast? I know that seems sacrilegious, but he will eventually be looking for more money than he’s making now.

Bottom line is this, we know the Rangers are looking and it’s only a matter of time before they pull the trigger on a deal.

 

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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