The Toronto Maple Leafs could still look to sign another forward, and one analyst links them to a former 41-goal scorer.
The Maple Leafs could look to take some flyers on some older players to see if they can turn back the clock, similar to what they did with Max Pacioretty last season. NHL analyst Edward Eng of EditorInLeaf urges Toronto to sign former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Cam Atkinson.
“As a former 40-goal scorer, winger Cam Atkinson could provide some added scoring punch to the Leafs roster despite having turned 36 years old this past June,” Eng wrote. “Mostly known during his days with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Atkinson had recorded 20+ goals and 40 or more points seven times during his NHL career, with his last occurring during the 2021-22 season with the Philadelphia Flyers.
“On a stacked Tampa Bay Lightning lineup last season, he struggled for the most part and posted just four goals and nine points in 39 total games of action,” Eng added. “With goal scoring being his main forte, Atkinson is looking for a fresh start with a contender to finish off his career and the Leafs could be the exact team to provide him with that opportunity without blowing the bank.”
Atkinson is coming off a one-year, $900,000 deal with the Lightning and remains a free agent. Atkinson can be a top-six forward and add some more scoring to the lineup.
The 36-year-old is coming off a season where he recorded 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 39 games. His career-high is 41 goals, but even if he scores 15+ goals, which he should be able to do, it would be a wise signing for the Maple Leafs.
Lightning Coach Praises Atkinson’s Leadership
Not only could Atkinson add some scoring, but he’d add some veteran leadership to the locker room.
Ryan Reaves was an impactful locker room presence, but he was traded. With the Lightning, Atkinson was a good leader in the room, which would be helpful in the Maple Leafs locker room.
“He’s a real positive influence on a lot of the young guys, and he’s had a couple games here with Geeks and Gonzo, and I think it’s big for them to have a little veteran presence around. I thought they were the ones that jump-started us. Cam gets that tip goal early on, and then Geeks scores a couple minutes after that, so they kind of got us going,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.
Atkinson was a mentor for the younger players, and he could do the same with the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs Looking to Add More Scoring
Toronto is looking to add more offense to the lineup, which is why Atkinson makes sense.
Atkinson has the ability to be a top-six forward, which is a need for the Maple Leafs.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” Treliving said on July 1... “Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole. That’s really where our focus is.”
Toronto has just over $5.33 million in cap space, so signing Atkinson would be no issue.
Maple Leafs Linked to Signing Former 41-Goal Scorer