Cam Atkinson
Former Blue Jackets star who retired after 13 NHL seasons, known for his speed and scoring touch.
Cameron Thomas Atkinson (born June 5, 1989) is an American former professional ice hockey right winger who played thirteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Atkinson was selected by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 157th overall, of the 2008 NHL entry draft.
Quick Facts
- Notable record
- Second in All-Time Goals for the Blue Jackets (213; Rick Nash holds the record with 289)
Lore & Background
Atkinson was born on June 5, 1989, in Riverside, Connecticut, the middle child of five born to Tom and Ellen Atkinson. He began playing hockey at a young age and also had a passion for tennis. At age 15, he fractured both his tibia and fibula during a hockey tournament and was told he might not skate again, but after surgery with a rod and two pins, he made a full recovery. He attended Avon Old Farms boarding school in Avon, Connecticut. In college, he played for Boston College Eagles, scoring his first collegiate goal as a game-winner in his debut. He led the NCAA in goals in 2009–10 with 30, including two in the National Championship game, and scored three hat-tricks in ten games that season.
Reader's Guide
Atkinson was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 157th overall, in 2008. He signed a two-year entry-level contract on March 27, 2011, and made his professional debut with the Springfield Falcons on April 1, 2011, scoring the game-winning goal. His first NHL goal came on October 10, 2011, against Cory Schneider of the Vancouver Canucks. He recorded his first NHL hat-trick on April 5, 2012, against the Colorado Avalanche. He was named to the 2012 AHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team. He was named to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game as a replacement for Evgeni Malkin. On November 16, 2017, he signed a seven-year, $41.125 million contract extension. His best statistical season was 2018–19, with 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points. He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on July 24, 2021, in exchange for Jakub Voráček. He missed the 2022–23 season due to a herniated disc and tricep surgery. After the 2023–24 season, the Flyers bought out the final year of his contract. He signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 2, 2024. After going unsigned in the 2025 offseason, he signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Blue Jackets on October 8, 2025, and was honored on October 16, 2025.
Did You Know?
- Atkinson recorded four career NHL hat-tricks, including one against the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, and Philadelphia Flyers.
- He was known for his speed, agility, soft hands, and shooting skills despite being smaller than most NHL forwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cam Atkinson in relation to the Blue Jackets?
He is a retired right wing who stands as one of the most prolific scorers in franchise history. His career with Columbus defined an era of resilience through his relentless net-front presence.
What was Cam Atkinson's primary role on the ice?
Atkinson functioned as a power forward who specialized in creating chaos around the opponent's goal. He was known for converting rebounds and scoring clutch goals during high-pressure situations.
When did the Blue Jackets draft Cam Atkinson?
Columbus selected him with their first pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. This investment quickly paid off as he evolved into a primary offensive threat for the club.
Did Cam Atkinson play for other NHL teams after Columbus?
After leaving Columbus, he played stints with the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Rangers. Despite these moves, his legacy remains strongest with the Blue Jackets organization.
More in Club History
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