Cam Atkinson to sign one-day contract for retiring as Blue Jacket; all you need to know

Cam Atkinson is set to sign a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 16. The team will honour Atkinson with a ceremony taking place before the Blue Jackets’ home game against the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena. This heartfelt moment will celebrate Atkinson’s remarkable 10-year tenure with the club and his lasting impact on the franchise.

Cam Atkinson's storied career with the Columbus Blue Jackets

Drafted by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round (No. 157 overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Cam Atkinson became one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Over 10 seasons with Columbus, he played 627 games, amassing 213 goals, 189 assists, and 402 points. Notably, he ranks second in points, goals, and game-winning goals (42) to Rick Nash (547, 289, 44).

Atkinson’s consistency was a hallmark of his career. He also represented the Blue Jackets at two NHL All-Star Games in 2017 and 2019 and was named to the Blue Jackets’ Quarter-Century Team.

His six hat tricks remain a franchise record, with memorable performances like his April 5, 2012, hat trick against Colorado and his March 15, 2018, hat trick in Philadelphia.

Playoff heroics and franchise records

Cam Atkinson was a clutch performer in the postseason, leading the Blue Jackets in playoff goals (10), assists (16), and points (26) across 35 games. His standout moment came during the 2018-19 playoffs, when Columbus swept the President’s Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in a historic first-round upset. Atkinson contributed two goals and eight points in 10 games that postseason, cementing his legacy as a big-game player.

His name is scripted across the Blue Jackets’ record books. Atkinson ranks second in franchise history in game-winning goals (42) and shots on goal (1,883), third in power-play goals (42), and fourth in power-play points (95). He was also named to the Blue Jackets’ Quarter-Century Team, recognizing his contributions over the franchise’s first 25 years.

A star at Boston College

Before his NHL career, Cam Atkinson was a standout at Boston College, where he played three seasons and won a national championship in 2010. He tallied 68 goals and 124 points in 117 collegiate games, earning First Team All-American honors and a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist nod in 2011.

Details about the farewell

The one-day contract signing and pre-game ceremony on October 16 will be a moment to celebrate Atkinson’s legacy. A press conference with Cam Atkinson and General Manager Don Waddell is scheduled for 11:30 AM ET at Nationwide Arena. It will be streamed live on BlueJackets.com and the team’s YouTube page.

Fans will have the chance to honour the 36-year-old Riverside, Connecticut native, who also played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning, finishing his NHL career with 253 goals and 489 points in 809 games.

As the Blue Jackets kick off their 2025-26 season on October 9 against the Nashville Predators, Atkinson’s retirement ceremony will be a highlight of the early season