Overview

• Atkinson, 36, signed a ceremonial one-day contract and was recognized before Columbus’ game against the Colorado Avalanche.
• During an emotional news conference with team executive Don Waddell, he called finishing in Columbus a dream and described the city as home.
• He logged 627 games for the Blue Jackets with 213 goals, 189 assists and 402 points, earning NHL All-Star selections in 2017 and 2019.
• Drafted 157th overall in 2008, he spent ten seasons with Columbus before a 2021 trade to Philadelphia and 39 games with Tampa Bay in 2024–25, finishing with 489 points in 809 NHL games.
• He is a member of the franchise’s quarter‑century team and holds club marks for shorthanded goals and hat tricks.