CBJ roster shakeup continues with Atkinson-for-Voracek deal

The reshaping of the Blue Jackets roster continued Saturday during the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, but
while Friday's big moves
were somewhat expected, what transpired today was a shock to many.
The Blue Jackets traded their longest-tenured player, Cam Atkinson, to Philadelphia for 2007 CBJ draftee Jakub Voracek in a move that and sends another iconic name and fan favorite out the door.
But to general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, the trade -- while difficult on a lot of levels -- provides a chance for the Blue Jackets and perhaps the Flyers to get better next season, which is why he pulled the trigger.

"It's a hockey trade," Kekalainen said. "I think it serves a need for both teams. They were looking to change things with their lineup. I think that Voracek is a good fit for us with the right-handed shooters that we have, Cam Atkinson obviously being one of the elite ones. He's been a great, great soldier for the Blue Jackets for a long time, and we appreciate everything he's done here, not just on the ice but off the ice, in the community.
"We wish him nothing but the best, but I think Jake Voracek is a great fit for our mix."
Voracek's return certainly intrigues, as the former first-round pick of the Jackets was just coming into his own in Columbus when he was dealt in the summer of 2011 to Philadelphia in a deal that brought Jeff Carter to town.
While Carter's tenure with the Blue Jackets would last less than a season, Voracek found a home in Philadelphia. In 10 years with the Flyers, the big winger racked up 177 goals, 427 assists and 604 points in 727 games, spotlighting a game heavy on playmaking and distributing skills as well as power-play success.
With Philadelphia needing to shed salary and wanting to shake up a roster that missed the playoffs this past season, Voracek said he expected to be traded as the draft neared, though he didn't know when it would happen or where he would go.
"My girlfriend was telling me to just put the phone down, it's going to happen at the least expected time," he said in a meeting with the media Saturday. "I was fishing with my family and didn't have my phone on me, and I had about 10 missed calls with (Flyers GM) Chuck Fletcher and he told me I got traded to Columbus. She was right and I am happy to be back. I can't wait to get started again."
Of course, trading Atkinson was not an easy decision to make for Columbus, as not only is he one of the most productive players in team history but a fan favorite. Just one of three players to skate in 10 different seasons with the Jackets, Atkinson leaves Columbus second all-time in team annals in games (627), goals (213) and points (402), and tied the team's single-season goals record with 41 in 2018-19.
"I've been here a long time, that's not a secret," Atkinson said of his time in the capital city. "I love Columbus, but I couldn't be more excited to join the Flyers organization and I personally think I'm going to fit in very well."
The trade was just the latest of a CBJ veteran, following in the footsteps of deadline deals of Nick Foligno and David Savard as well as Friday's trade of Seth Jones. Included in those deals are the Nos. 2, 3, 8 and 18 scorers in franchise history as well as players who slot second, third, fourth and 15th in games in team history.
"It's tough to say goodbye to players like that," Kekalainen said. "They have been an integral part of our success, but we are trying to build a Stanley Cup winner here and we haven't been able to do that so sometimes you have to make hard changes even in your core and keep building.
"Those guys are all great individuals, like Cam Atkinson, not just on the ice but off the ice as well. Those decisions are hard. Even on a personal level, I like those guys a lot. Again, it's not just as players, but they are good people. They have great families. It's a tough part of the business, there's no question about it, but sometimes you have to make those tough decisions."
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets entered the second day of the draft with six picks and used all of them to continue to bolster the farm system. The Blue Jackets finish the draft with five forwards and four defensemen chosen among nine total picks, including three in the first round.
"Things don't always go like you plan, but it seemed like the last two days, the guys we had slotted in and we hoped would be there seemed to be there," said amateur scout Stephane Leblanc. "It doesn't always go like that, but we had a lot of picks, so that helped. We were happy with the guys we got in the round we got them."
A few scouting reports from Draft Prospects Hockey follow on the players chosen, when available.
D Stanislav Svozil (HC Kometa Brno, Czech Republic), third round: "A smart, mobile, and mature two-way defender without a lot of flash that stands out due to his poise and composure. ... With the puck on his stick, he smoothly weaves in and out of traffic making his way up ice. He can be a one man break out with his footwork and puck poise. He reads the play well and knows when to jump into the rush or make a pinch deep in the offensive zone. Not a high-end playmaker but makes consistent stretch passes as well as timely cross-ice passes."
D Guillaume Richard (Tri-City, USHL), fourth round: "Great first pass. Excellent at completing small area passes. Keen offensive instincts to join the rush. Walks the line finding shooting lanes to let go of his accurate wrist shot. Tight man-on-man defense. Expert using his stick to close gaps and break up possession. Will play with an edge and still growing into his body. Has bottom six two-way puck moving NHL potential."
D Nikolai Makarov (CSKA Moscow, Russia), fifth round: "Makarov is a strong skating, two-way defenseman. ... Has a "Mr. Reliable" feel to his play in both ends of the rink. When starting the breakout from behind his net, he remains calm and is able to use his excellent hockey sense to read the pressure and where the open ice is for his first pass. Showcased the ability to both precisely hit his mark on both short area passes to start the transition or hit his man through the neutral zone with a stretch pass. ... He'll need to find ways to up his offensive numbers to get more recognition but to also show that he does have an offensive side to his game. Bottom four defensive defenseman potential."
F James Malatesta (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL), fifth round: "A gritty scoring winger. James Malatesta brings a good work ethic and tenacity to his team whenever he's on the ice. He loves to be right in the face of the other team. He is not the most naturally skilled as he creates most of his offensive with how hard he works on the ice. He can drive the play for his line, being a good puck rusher that will use his quickness to shift around his opponents. He is strong on his skates which helps him when he battles along the boards. His vision and playmaking abilities are average at best. The fact that he is a hard worker is what makes him a good prospect. Middle six potential.
F Martin Rysavy (HC Prerov, Czech Republic): "Big winger with a unique skill set. He is dynamic in front of the net but also creative with the puck. Can embarrass defenders one on one and shows really nice touch. Creates offensive chances for others by playing in the middle of the ice and dragging traffic to the net. Lacks high end agility but still carries speed well once he gets going. Strong edge work and lower body allow him to battle in tough areas for pucks. Power play threat net front where he has a nice finishing touch. Underrated play maker. Reliable defensively. Uses his size well. Dangerous one-timer from the slot. Projects as a NHL winger that can play with high end players."