A 13-year veteran of the NHL has decided on his future. He had been rumoured, leading up to the July 1st deadline, that he would be headed in a new direction. Now we know for sure as Cam Atkinson decided it is time to retire. The Columbus Blue Jackets have decided to sign Atkinson to a one-day contract, and the veteran has retired.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669… Cam Atkinson to sign one-day contract, retire with the Blue Jackets
— Aaron Portzline (@aportzline.bsky.social) 2025-10-08T18:08:07.852Z
Cam Atkinson Has Decided to Retire
Atkinson was originally a Boston College product, honing his craft there for three seasons. He eventually made his NHL debut in 2011, as a member of the Blue Jackets. Furthermore, he ended up playing in Columbus for 10 campaigns. Since then he had moved around, playing with the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning over the past couple seasons.
During his time in Columbus, he definitely had one notable four-year span. He put together a stretch of averaging 32 goals per season. Moreover, this was highlighted by his career high 41 goals from 2018-19, as a 29-year-old.
What It Means
End the end of his career, Atkinson’s role had changed a bit. This past year in Tampa, he played 39 games and scored four goals, adding five assists. His game had changed, and so had his responsibility in the room. He was taking on more of a veteran leadership role. In addition, you’d look at him as a winger, who’s responsible defensively. However, his skill allowed him to play throughout the lineup. He was an asset on a strong Tampa Bay Lightning team. Those were the abilities he brought to the teams that he played for.
Teams have always been lucky to have him and there are few exceptions. Atkinson can now put a bow on a long career that saw become a reliable player. He will be honoured on October 16 during the game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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