NHL Trade Rumors: Darren Dreger claims Flyers weighing options over $41,125,000 winger with San Jose Sharks keen on deal

NHL insider Darren Dreger says the Philadelphia Flyers are trying to trade forward Cam Atkinson and the San Jose Sharks are keen on making the deal happen. Atkinson has one year left on the seven-year, $41,125,000 deal he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2017. However, the forward has a full no-movement clause so if he doesn't want to be traded, he can't be.

According to Dreger, despite the Flyers looking to move him, Atkinson doesn't want to go to the Sharks.

"The Flyers continue to explore options around veteran Cam Atkinson. SJ has trade interest, but sources say Atkinson isn’t keen on a move to the Sharks. Philly will eat a good chunk of the final year of his contract. Buyout is also an option, as is keeping him in the mix," Dreger reported.

Why Atkinson doesn't want to go to San Jose is unknown, but it could be due to the fact that the Sharks are expected to be one of the worst teams in the NHL again.

Flyers GM exploring all options with Cam Atkinson

The Flyers are right near the salary cap, and according to general manager Daniel Briere, the team is exploring all options.

"We're looking at every option," Briere said. "Because we're tight on [NHL salary] cap space, we're still looking at every possible option in that direction. Both Cam Atkinson and Cal Petersen want to prove that they can still play in the NHL. So we're evaluating all of that, but we haven't made a final decision yet.

"We're looking at every option," Briere added. "It gives us the chance to maybe be open-minded to being creative with something different." [via NHL.com].

Cam Atkinson was acquired by the Flyers in 2021 for forward Jakub Voracek. He missed the entire 2022–23 NHL season due to having a herniated disc, which required surgery.

Last season with the Flyers, Atkinson recorded 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 70 games.