Wed Oct 08 18:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Cam Atkinson, a fan-favorite forward who overcame being a late-round draft pick and perceived undersized player, will retire as a Columbus Blue Jacket. The 36-year-old will sign a one-day contract with the team on October 16th and officially announce his retirement after a 13-season NHL career. He spent most of his career with Columbus, also playing for Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. Atkinson is expected to join the Blue Jackets’ front office in the future. He remains a resident of Ohio and is involved in youth hockey development and supporting military/first-responder families. Atkinson ranks second in Blue Jackets history in goals and points, behind only Rick Nash.
The undersized player defied the odds and embraced it as the underdog due to others like Martin St. Louis and Brian Gionta paving the way for him.

**News Article:**

**Cam Atkinson to Retire as a Columbus Blue Jacket**

**COLUMBUS, OH –** After 13 seasons in the NHL, prolific scorer Cam Atkinson will retire as a Columbus Blue Jacket. The team announced that Atkinson, 36, will sign a one-day contract on October 16th and officially announce his retirement. A pregame ceremony honoring Atkinson will be held that evening at Nationwide Arena before the Blue Jackets face the Colorado Avalanche.

Atkinson, a sixth-round draft pick who defied expectations, spent the majority of his career with Columbus, becoming a fan favorite and offensive leader. He ranks second in franchise history in goals (213) and points (402), behind only Rick Nash. He also played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

“This is home,” Atkinson stated, emphasizing his connection to Columbus. “I started my career here and I want to end my career here. That’s been the goal from Day 1.”

While he had offers for training camp tryouts, Atkinson’s focus shifted late last season toward his post-playing career. He’s expected to join the Blue Jackets’ front office in the future.

Off the ice, Atkinson remains a resident of central Ohio, operating the Battery Hockey Academy and the Force Network Fund, supporting military and first-responder families. His legacy in Columbus extends beyond his on-ice accomplishments, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the community.

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