Take Cam Atkinson’s name off the trade deadline target list.
On Monday, the Jackets announced they’ve signed Aktinson to a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension, one that carries a $3.5M average annual cap hit.
Atkinson, 25, has been a solid contributor in Columbus over the last two seasons. He was a pending RFA -- carrying a $1.15 million cap hit -- and looked to be in line for a raise; Atkinson scored a career-high 21 goals and 40 points last year and is averaging over 17 minutes a night this season (another career-high).
The new salary breakdown, per ESPN:Atkinson deal year by year, $2.5 M, $3.5 M, $4.5 M
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) March 2, 2015In 58 games this year, Atkinson has 13 goals and 25 points. This new deal will keep him in Columbus through the 2018 season, making him a long-term guy along with the likes of David Clarkson, Scott Hartnell, Nick Foligno, Brandon Dubinsky, Fedor Tyutin and Jack Johnson.