Well, if things weren’t already at a breaking point for the Philadelphia Flyers, they might be now with the recent news regarding Cam Atkinson. The veteran goal-scorer, who has missed the entire season so far, is not set to return as he is dealing with a neck injury that he sustained on the 25th of September.
Chuck Fletcher and the Flyers have ruled him out for the remainder of the season and expect him to fully recover in time for the 2023-24 campaign.
As we stand today, Atkinson will be undergoing neck surgery on Wednesday after sustaining the injury during the preseason. At first, in typical Flyers fashion, nothing was said about the injury. It was designated as a day-to-day blemish, and we heard nothing for awhile until the regular season roster had to be unveiled, which was when we found out that he wouldn’t be ready in time. Then he became week-to-week, returned to practice, was cleared for contact, but things went radio silent before being placed on IR on Sunday, and now we finally have clarity.
Flyers head coach John Tortorella said, “He was doing everything he possibly could without getting opened up, especially in that area. Cam wanted to play. He’s a great competitor. Tried all different things with head athletic trainer, Tommy Alva, the whole group, and he couldn’t sustain it to get over the hump. He’d feel really good and then it would drop off.”
“He wants to be part of it, he wants to try to help. He sees what we’ve been going through a little bit here. Have to consider him one of the top players from last year’s team. He wanted to be part of it. He’s tried everything to get back in. He’s made the decision along with the doctors that this is the best route to go. We wish him good luck on that and hopefully he’s healthy and ready to go next year.”
Atkinson chimed in as well by saying, “It’s been pretty good, a little bit of an adjustment but just working out the kinks. I’m getting close, but not enough to where I think I can help this team right now. But I’m closer than not.”
The anemic Flyers offence just took another hit, especially with Ryan Ellis having been ruled out for the season, Sean Couturier suffering a setback that pushes him towards a return in February-March, all the injuries that have hit players like Travis Konecny and James van Riemsdyk among others this year, and now all the drama surrounding Kevin Hayes.
Forward Joel Farabee, who went through something similar in the offseason, said that he’s tried being as supportive as possible but understands more than anyone what he’s going through with a neck ailment. Farabee was supposed to miss at least 2-3 weeks to start the season but made a speedier recovery and has played in every game this year.
General manager Chuck Fletcher also chimed in regarding his star forward. “It’s a tough situation for him. I feel for him. He tried hard for a few months to rehab.” Fletcher also added that during one of the few practices he partook, he got into a board battle with Rasmus Ristolainen and tried pushing himself to see how he’d fare against the hulking defenseman.
Fletcher noted that he tried to make it for the New York Islanders game and even last week tried to play against the New York Rangers. Unfortunately he couldn’t get over the pain and realized it was best to undergo surgery and wait for the following season to make an impact.
By the comments being made by head coach, player, and even general manager, it seems like the player was actually close to returning to the lineup a few weeks ago when he was initially cleared for contact. However, as things have unfortunately gone for several key injured stars in the Orange and Black, he suffered a setback that will now keep him out for the rest of the season.
On the bright side – in case we’re still looking for silver linings – Wade Allison is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday ahead of their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
