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Flyers ship longtime face Voracek to Jackets

*Photo from Broad Street Hockey*
   In another move made in an already busy offseason for the Philadelphia Flyers, this time, a longtime face is heading out of town. The Flyers have traded RW Jakub Voracek to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for RW Cam Atkinson, according to Pierre Lebrun of TSN. No salary is being retained in the trade, which has been confirmed by both teams.

   Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said "We certainly traded and moved out some excellent players and players like Jake Voracek that have been instrumental parts of our core for so long. But frankly, we needed change, it's time and we think we brought in some players that bring a lot of energy, bring some skill and will certainly change the dynamic of our team going forward."

   For Voracek, it's a homecoming to the beginning of his career. He was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Blue Jackets, and spent the first 3 seasons of his career there, before winding up with the Flyers before the 2011-2012 season began. He has spent 10 seasons with the Flyers. 

   Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said of Voracek that "I talked to him today. He's very, very excited to come back to Columbus. He loved it here. He still has friends here. He wants to show everybody that he's got a lot left in his tank and we're excited to have him."

   Last season with the Flyers, Voracek put up 9 goals and 34 assists, with a -12 plus/minus in an ATOI of 16:55, suiting up for 53 of the 56 regular season games in 2021. In his 13 NHL seasons, Voracek has 216 goals and 522 assists, with a -16 plus/minus with an ATOI of 17:16, in 968 games. He is currently on pace to play in his 1,000th game this coming season.

   For Atkinson, he's leaving the only place he's ever known as home in his NHL career. He was selected by the Blue Jackets in the 6th round of the 2008 NHL draft, and has spent all 10 of his NHL seasons in Columbus. He is second in team history in goals, points, and games played, trailing Rick Nash in every category.

   Atkinson said "Obviously mixed emotions right now. It's my kid's third birthday, so I'm celebrating that way, and obviously have another reason to celebrate as well. I've been here a long time, obviously that's not a secret. I love Columbus, but I couldn't be more excited to join the Flyers organization. I personally think I'm going to fit in very well, I know a couple guys on the team already and special teams I think I'll help out as well, especially with the penalty kill, and I think I fit the mold pretty well. And like I said, I'm super excited."

   Last season, Atkinson suited up for all 56 regular season games, scoring 15 goals and dishing out 19 assists, with a -16 plus/minus, spending just 4 minutes in the penalty box all season, with an ATOI of 18:56 last season. In his 10 seasons, Atkinson has 213 goals and 189 assists, with a +17 plus/minus in an ATOI of 17:41 in 627 games. 

  The Flyers and Blue Jackets are off to busy starts this offseason. The Flyers made moves to bring in Ryan Ellis and Rasmus Ristolainen to aid the defense, and the Blue Jackets traded away D-Man Seth Jones to the Blackhawks for a flurry of picks, plus Adam Boqvist.

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