No Blue Jacket has scored more power play goals over the past four seasons than Cam Atkinson. And yet he might arrive at training camp having to adapt to a new position on the first unit.

The change is not as much a reflection on Atkinson’s work as it is the potential of the dynamic winger replacing him.

Blue Jackets assistant coach Brad Larsen, who runs the power play, said Wednesday he’s leaning toward starting newly-acquired Artemi Panarin on the left half-wall as part of the first-unit power play. Since entering the NHL at the start of 2015-16 season, the Russian ranks tied for seventh in points (151).

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen said a big reason why the Jackets sent Brandon Saad back to Chicago for Panarin in the draft-day trade was the latter’s work with the man advantage. It didn’t take long for some to wonder what Panarin’s arrival would mean to Atkinson in terms of the power play. Both are right-handed shots proficient at one-timing pucks from their off wing.

Larsen said plans can change – prospects are still a month away from leaving for Traverse City – but his first thought is to play Panarin at his familiar spot and slide Atkinson to the middle slot, one open with the free-agent defection of Sam Gagner.

“Panarin has had a ton of success on that off side with his one-timer,” Larsen said. “If I was going to say right now, I would say he’s going to start there. Cam has done an outstanding job there and we might shift him into the middle. Again, there are going to be discussions and we haven’t really gotten into it.”

Atkinson, who’s entering the final year of his contract, scored 10 of his career-high 35 goals last season with the man advantage. His 25 power-play tallies since the beginning of the 2013-14 season leads the Blue Jackets.

Larsen believes the All-Star right wing can adjust to a new position on the first-unit power play. If not, he also could return to the left half-wall on the second unit. The assistant has worked with Atkinson dating to their days together in the minors.

“Cam is a great kid,” Larsen said. “I have known him for a long time. I coached him right from when he started. He’s versatile and can play different areas and obviously he’s great player.”

Panarin has scored just three more power-play goals (17) than Atkinson in the past two seasons. Larson said an underrated quality in Panarin’s game is his passing. The assistant said he will seek input from fellow coaches and the players as the regular season approaches.

“This is the kind of dialogue I’m talking about,” Larsen said. “It’s where you (say), ‘Hey, maybe you are more comfortable on your one-time side, but we’re going to play Panarin there and you both can’t play the same spot.’ It’s about getting some input, some comfort level and tinkering with some things early in the season.

“(Panarin) has the ability to score from some crazy angles. He’s got a great release. He can one-time from a pass (from) up top or a diagonal pass or anything on the back door. He’s got a great wrist shot and slap shot. He’s also real deceptive with his ability to pass pucks, too. One of his strengths is the power play and we’re excited to have him.”

If Atkinson could adapt to playing in the middle, the Blue Jackets’ first unit could be lethal. Imagine second-year defenseman Zach Werenski manning the point in a 1-3-1 formation with Pararin, Atkinson Alex Wennberg and Nick Foligno as his options.

The club finished last season ranked 12th on the power play after leading the NHL in that department through the first four months. Larsen attributed the poor finish to multiple factors, including a loss of confidence and a lack of opportunity.

The Jackets’ 211 power-play chances were the fewest in the NHL since 1978, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Columbus had three or fewer power plays in 30 of their last 35 games. The lack of practice time during a congested stretch run also contributed to the dip, Larsen said.

Atkinson’s struggles mirrored those of his team. His last regular-season power-play goal came on Feb. 26 against the New York Rangers.

One preseason objective is getting Jackets’ power-play forwards to become less predictable. While acknowledging the superior skill level, Larsen points to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ top players and their ability to both shoot and pass the puck. The Jackets’ assistant coach wants the silky passing Wennberg, who contributed two power-play goals, to shoot more this season.

“Teams know he’s a 90 percent passer,” Larsen said. “Once teams smell that then they focus in on where the pass is going to go and they take away the options.”

Panarin is expected to arrive in Columbus later this month. Larsen is anxious to build a relationship.

“I’m going to have some dialogue with him,” the assistant said. “Even if I have to learn Russian.”

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