Cam Atkinson is officially retiring as a Columbus Blue Jacket. The veteran forward signed a ceremonial one-day contract this week to end his career with the organization that drafted him and made him a cornerstone. Atkinson’s retirement celebration will take place before the game against Colorado, marking his final chapter with a franchise he helped shape. He played 627 games for Columbus, scoring 213 goals and adding 189 assists. Firmly established as one of the club’s top scorers, Atkinson’s name anchors nearly every significant offensive mark in franchise history.
Atkinson’s farewell coincides with a sports landscape that bears little resemblance to the one he debuted in. Fan engagement has shifted toward dynamic platforms offering speed and transparency. New features, such as those highlighted in the 99Bitcoins list of crypto sports betting sites, reflect the trend toward digital payments, flexible deposits, and bonus rewards — elements now central to how many fans interact with hockey off the ice. These changes echo throughout the fan economy, reshaping not just betting but broader patterns of sports participation.
As the Blue Jackets prepare for the Avalanche, oddsmakers have Colorado favored with a steady moneyline edge, and totals are set around six and a half goals. Technical improvements in betting, including faster settlement and more transparent pricing, mirror the fast-paced environment that Atkinson navigated as a player. Even for those who focus solely on the game, the structure around hockey continues to evolve.
Thirteen-Year Career
Over his thirteen NHL seasons, Atkinson consistently delivered. Drafted 157th overall in 2008, he defied expectations from the start. Standing at a modest 5-foot-8, he built his career on energy and intelligence. Joining the team full-time in 2012, Atkinson quickly became a leader and one of its primary offensive catalysts. His landmark season came in 2018-19, when he scored 41 goals, tying Rick Nash for the Blue Jackets’ single-season record. That campaign also saw Columbus earn its first-ever playoff series win, sweeping the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in a dramatic upset that remains a high-water mark for the franchise.
Including stops with Philadelphia and a brief stint with Tampa Bay, Atkinson played 809 NHL games, recording 253 goals and 236 assists for 489 points. His best years, however, belonged to Columbus. Teammates and coaches describe him as a player whose approach elevated everyone on the roster. He handled every role — from top-line scoring to penalty kill minutes — and did so with unflagging consistency. Fans gravitated toward his relentless effort and his knack for scoring timely goals. Whether facing a playoff contender or an Eastern Conference rival, Atkinson’s competitive edge rarely dulled.
When Columbus traded Atkinson to the Flyers in July 2021, the move signaled a significant shift within the organization. The team lost not just a scorer, but a respected presence in the locker room. Atkinson brought the same leadership and professionalism to Philadelphia, serving as an alternate captain and helping guide younger teammates. Even as injuries limited his ice time, he continued to command respect for his work ethic off the ice.
Retires as a Blue Jacket
The Blue Jackets’ decision to bring Atkinson back for one more day underscores his central role in team history. The gesture connects the franchise’s past and present, giving longtime fans a fitting opportunity to recognize his contributions. Much more than a ceremonial move, it honors Atkinson’s influence on the organization’s identity — his example of hard work, perseverance, and community involvement.
Nationwide Arena, host to Atkinson’s big moments and playoff heroics, will be the backdrop for his sendoff. Young players who grew up watching him now represent the next wave in Columbus, inspired by the culture he helped build. For a team striving to regain footing in a competitive Metropolitan Division, Atkinson’s legacy sets an enduring standard. His career stands as a reminder that stars can emerge from late draft rounds with persistence and character. As he heads into retirement, the Blue Jackets and their fans will reflect on thirteen seasons marked not just by goals, but by loyalty and impact.
