The trade over the summer stunned many. But it's paying dividends for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
During the NHL Draft weekend on Saturday, July 24th, Twitter and the NHL were sent into a tizzy when Elliotte Friedman's bombshell was put out for all to see: a potential trade between the Philadelphia Flyers and Blue Jackets that would send Jakub Voracek back to the Jackets for Cam Atkinson.
Im not sure what else is involved here -- if anything -- but there's a Cam Atkinson-Jakub Voracek deal being worked on between Columbus and Philadelphoa
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 24, 2021
And sure enough, that deal went through shortly thereafter and another part of an era was ending in Columbus.
While Atkinson is now seen skating for the Black and Orange in the City of Brotherly Love, Voracek is back in the city he called home once upon a time ago. The playmaking winger was drafted seventh overall by Columbus in 2007 and played for the Blue Jackets from 2008-11.
These days, Voracek's impact on and off the ice for the Blue Jackets is noticeable. While he hasn't scored a goal yet, he is a point-per-game player, and Voracek has helped many others find the back of the net with his 10 assists through 10 games.
Cole Sillinger on Jake Voracek: "Hes always talking on the bench. Hes always finding ways to expose the other team and creating little plays that he thinks that will work out there."
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) November 11, 2021
Voracek is having an early impact on #CBJ both on and off the ice. https://t.co/h4dc1wEmAN
The 32-year-old winger scored nine goals last season to go with 34 assists in 53 games. He's usually great for scoring at least 50 points in a season, something he's done seven-consecutive years from 2013-14 through 2019-20 before the shortened season in 2020-21.
Jarmo Kekalainen and the rest of the front office had to be thinking about his scoring touch, an element missing from the Blue Jackets in recent years, and a dynamic desperately needed. Voracek's the sort of player needed to help make players like Patrik Laine more comfortable. Kekalainen emphasized the assets Voracek provides on Behind the Battle Episode 2: The Reload.
"I think it changes the whole complexion of our team," Kekalainen said. "(He's a) bigger player. He can pass."
Voracek is also a great mentor for the youngest team in the league. Cole Sillinger, the youngest player in the league, talked about the impact Laine and Voracek have provided for him as linemates.
Watch the full episode of @BlueJacketsNHL Conversations with @shelleyhawk45 & Jakub Voracek NOW on Bally Sports Ohio pic.twitter.com/NTAhFZ2FTu
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) November 9, 2021
In a recent sitdown with Jody Shelley, Voracek provided his thoughts on the trade.
"I felt like I had more to give, always more to give," Voracek said. "I just never had that opportunity in my opinion and I'm really happy that this happened, and I can actually show what I'm capable of.
It's been a shock for me when I got traded back but it was a really pleasant feeling and I'm (happier) every day. Which is really important for me, and my family is happy which is awesome."
The quote is of great perspective from a veteran player who could have reacted negatively to the trade—has that happened coming from Philly before?—especially with the franchise ushering in a new era amid transition entering 2021-22.
The willingness and outright honesty that he's happy to be in Columbus helps put to bed the narrative of star players not wanting to come to the city, like when Zach Werenski signed his six-year contract extension and then Elvis Merzlikins signed on for five more years.
Voracek is now among those leaders spearing a new narrative for the 7-3-0 Bue Jackets. The winger comes into Friday's game against the Washington Capitals with a three-game points streak and has five points over that span. He also had a three-game streak from October 19th to the 23rd. In 47 career games, Voracek has 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) against the Capitals.
