Cam Atkinson Announces Retirement After 13 NHL Seasons

After 13 memorable NHL seasons, Cam Atkinson is hanging up his skates. 

The veteran winger will officially retire as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a one-day contract with the team on October 16. The Blue Jackets announced that Atkinson, 36, will be honored in a pregame ceremony before their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena.

Forever a Jacket! 💥

After an incredible career, Cam Atkinson will sign a one-day contract on October 16th and officially retire from the @NHL as a Columbus Blue Jacket!

📝 https://t.co/Y8TkW06TDU pic.twitter.com/gjLzqWWylv

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 8, 2025

Cam Atkinson To Retire With the Blue Jackets After 13 NHL Seasons

Atkinson was a cornerstone of Columbus hockey for a decade, spending 10 seasons with the Blue Jackets after being drafted 157th overall in 2008. 

Despite his 5-foot-8 frame, Atkinson became one of the most productive players in franchise history, recording 213 goals and 402 points in 627 games, both second only to Rick Nash. 

He was instrumental in Columbus’ unforgettable 2019 playoff sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a moment that remains one of the defining upsets in NHL postseason history.

Columbus will sign Cam Atkinson to a one-day contract that will allow him to officially retire from the NHL as a member of the Blue Jackets 💙

Atkinson had 402 points in 627 games with Columbus, including a 41-goal season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/voS6Q375Fk

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 8, 2025

Following his tenure in Columbus, Atkinson played two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers before wrapping up his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2024-25, where he tallied four goals and nine points in 39 games. 

Across 809 NHL appearances, Atkinson amassed 253 goals and 489 points, earning two All-Star selections and international recognition with Team USA.

Photo Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images