The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced an upcoming event to honor Cam Atkinson, one of the franchise’s all-time greats. He will sign a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Blue Jackets. This momentous occasion is scheduled for October 16, prior to the team’s game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Event Details
The celebration will include a press conference featuring Atkinson and Don Waddell, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Blue Jackets. It will take place at 11:30 a.m. ET at Nationwide Arena. Fans can watch the event live on El-Balad and the Blue Jackets’ official YouTube channel.
Atkinson’s Legacy with the Blue Jackets
- Career Span: 2011-2021
- Games Played: 627
- Goals: 213
- Assists: 189
- Total Points: 402
- Plus/Minus Rating: +17
Atkinson continues to hold significant records within the franchise. He ranks second in total points, behind only Rick Nash, and is the all-time leader in several playoff categories, including goals and assists.
All-Star Appearances and Achievements
Atkinson represented the Blue Jackets at two NHL All-Star Games in 2017 and 2019. He was also named to the franchise’s Quarter-Century Team, cementing his status as a key player in team history. Notably, Atkinson holds the record for the most hat tricks in franchise history, with six.
Atkinson’s Journey
A native of Riverside, Connecticut, Atkinson was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Draft, 157th overall. Before his NHL career, he played three seasons at Boston College, where he earned several accolades, including being named a First Team All-American in 2011 and winning a national championship in 2010.
NHL Career Stats
| Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 809 | 253 | 236 | 489 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Atkinson made his NHL debut on October 7, 2011, against the Nashville Predators. The Blue Jackets will open their 2025-26 regular season on October 9 against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.
This special event on October 16 aims to celebrate Atkinson’s remarkable contributions to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fans and colleagues alike are expected to pay tribute to his impressive career as he officially steps away from the NHL.
