Statistically, Cam Atkinson has been better than Artemi Panarin for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. Yes they have the same amount of points, but Atkinson has nearly three times as many goals and without him Panarin wouldn’t have half of his assists.
Despite this, the national media continues to praise Panarin albeit mainly because he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. Atkinson is tied for seventh in the NHL in goals, yet he doesn’t get as much coverage as many of the players below him.
Some players behind him in goals include, John Tavares, Jonathan Toews, Steven Stamkos, Phil Kessel and many others.