Cam Atkinson says he can still play, with or without the Flyers
Photo credit: New England Hockey Journal
The Philadelphia Flyers season officially ended last Tuesday night as they did not qualify for the 2024 postseason. One Flyer forward, Cam Atkinson was asked about his future on the Flyers.
"That's a good question. I have one more year left on my contract, and I know the player I am, and I'll never lose sight in how I am and what has made me the player I am today and what has gotten me to this level. I still feel like I have a lot of juice left in the tank for the right situation," Atkinson said. "I mean, I think that question is above my pay grade. I can control what I can control."
Cam Atkinson was scratched several games this year and when he did play, he received less and less playing time and, in most games, he was playing less than 10 minutes. Cam Atkinson got off to a hot start as he had 8 goals in his first 15 games, however only scored 5 goals in his last 55 games played. As the season progressed, his role on the team diminished even more. It is not clear, if he will be a Flyer next year, however, it will be a tough player to move, with his lack of production, but with 1 year left on his contract, that will make it a little easier.
Atkinson, also spoke on his relationship with head coach John Tortorella as he stated :
"Torts and I definitely have a unique relationship," he said. "I think all the conversations we've had this year together; I never want one or two things to hinder our relationship and those are the conversations we've had. He was very honest at the beginning of the season, and so was management, just that we're going younger, and those guys are getting more of an opportunity. So, I get it. Torts and I, we're just going to agree to disagree on a lot of things, but it is what it is at this point."
Atkinson, getting less playing time made sense, with the younger players on the team, however the Flyers have several other younger players that could be called up next year, so next year there may be no room on the roster for Cam Atkinson. The Flyers could buy out Atkinson's contract this offseason. If the Flyers do buyout Atkinson's contract, his $5.875 million cap hit will be lowered to a $2.35 million for the 2024-25 season, and an additional cap cost of $1.75 million for the 2025-26 season. This seems to be a likely route for the Flyers and Cam Atkinson could find a team, that could have more of a role for him. Either way, it will be an interesting offseason for the Flyers.
| POLL | ||
18 AVRIL | 84 ANSWERS Cam Atkinson says he can still play, with or without the Flyers Should the Flyers buy out Cam Atkinson? | ||
| Yes | 70 | 83.3 % |
| No | 14 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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