With 13 games left this season Cam Atkinson has already set a new career high in goals (24), assists (20) and points (44). There are a few reasons as to why he's been better which will be discussed below.
Time on Ice
My first thought was Cam has played a ton on the first line this season, perhaps that increased role has been the reason for his success.
Being on the first line has not lead to more ice time for Cam. Outside of his shorthanded time, it’s consistent across the board. Looking at Cam’s rate stats it’s clear just how much better he's been this season, with the same ice time. Stats courtesy of War On Ice.
Shooting Percentage
After debunking the time on ice theory the next area to look at is shooting percentage. This is something Jacket fans are all too familiar with, as Nick Foligno rode a career high shooting percentage last year into his best season, and was rewarded with a long term deal.
Cam is shooting at a career high rate but it’s not unsustainably high like it was for Foligno. At even strength Cam is shooting 11.2%, his career average is 9%. Same story in all situations; career is 10.1%, this year its 12.2%.
Among players who played 500 minutes last season, Foligno’s even strength shooting percentage ranked 18th. It put him around elite snipers like Steven Stamkos, Patrick Kane and Corey Perry. Cam’s EV SH% ranks 88th this season putting him around players like Justin Abdelkader, Chris Kreider, and Craig Smith. So while Cam is shooing a career best, it’s not among the game’s elite and not unreasonable to see this continue.
Shot Metrics
Another area that has to be looked at are shot metrics. Cam's Corsi this season is at 50.1% which is basically identical to his career of 50.2%. This season however Cam has played a higher event game. When he's been on the ice the Jackets have generated 56.7 Corsi for per 60 minutes which is a career high. They have also allowed 56.4 Corsi Against per 60 minutes which is the second highest. His shot on goal numbers follow the same trend.
So he's the shooting the puck more which is good but it means nothing if these are just low quality chances from the outside. His scoring chance numbers have been consistent over the last three seasons but there has been an increase in his high danger chances.
Looking at these stats you can see why Cam’s shooting percentage and goals are up. Cam has been able to get himself to that dangerous area of the ice. By doing that he has increased his odds of scoring which has led to his career high numbers.
If Cam can continue to get high danger chances like this next season there is no reason to believe his shooting percentage will drop.
Teammates
In Cam’s three full seasons, he has played most of his minutes alongside Brandon Dubinsky. The change this season has been on the wing as it has not been Matt Calvert, who has been a regular with Cam and Dubi in the previous two seasons, but rather Boone Jenner.
Boone is also in the midst of a career best season, like Cam having set new highs in goals, assists and points. Boone is tied for the team lead in goals as he has also been able to get himself to that dangerous area of the ice, something Calvert could not. That has been helpful for Cam as he's been able to rack up the assists. A quarter of Cam's assists have come on Boone goals.
As a whole this line has played a very high event style. They rack up the shots, chances and goals, but also allow plenty. This style has worked well for Cam as he is deadly on the rush. He can make you pay with his speed and hands.
Takeaway
Cam Atkinson is having the best season of his career. He has a new line mate in Boone Jenner and with Brandon Dubinsky the trio has done well at getting plenty of offensive chances. Cam has been able to get himself to dangerous areas of the ice which has helped him post a career best shooting percentage.
The Jackets have to be thrilled with the season they have got from Cam. They locked him up for three years last off-season and he has rewarded them. At 3.5M per season he's one of the best values on team.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot