Tampa Bay Lightning Officially Demote Former 40-Goal Scorer to the AHL

On the back of career years from several veteran players, the Tampa Bay Lightning are once again shaping up to be Stanley Cup contenders in a loaded Eastern Conference.

One player that they've been surprisingly reluctant to use however is veteran Cam Atkinson, who was placed on waivers by the team earlier this season, and now, the 35-year old is headed back to the American Hockey League.

In a move that brings goaltender Brandon Halverson to the NHL, the team have demoted Atkinson to the AHL after playing in 38 games with the team thus far in 2024/25.

In those 38 games, Atkinson has posted 4 goals and 9 points along with a -4 differential, so while he hasn't been at his best, it's still a surprise for the team to let go of such veteran depth at a crucial point this season.

Even without Atkinson however, this is one of the most loaded forward groups in the entire NHL, and with every line seemingly producing at a high level this season, there's just no room for him.

In previous years, Atkinson has consistently been a 20+ goal scorer, with his career high of 41 coming back in 2018/19 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but for now, his NHL future hangs in the balance as he may not get the opportunity again to play with the Lightning this season.

We will see how things go from here, as the Lightning have plenty of depth up front, and if it the last we see of him in the NHL this year, it will be a story to watch this summer to see if Atkinson can find his way at the top level again.