Now that the calendar has flipped to September, it means hockey is back. With that, there are still a handful of players looking for work. Some of the top names include Jack Roslovic, Robby Fabbri, and Matt Grzelcyk, but there is one forward who stands out. That is former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, who is still searching for a team willing to give him a chance.

After spending last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Atkinson was left unsigned on July 1, making him an unrestricted free agent. Unfortunately, his time with the Lightning didn’t end well. He was placed on waivers just before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, and after clearing, he was frequently called up and reassigned back to the AHL.

Atkinson spent 10 seasons with the Blue Jackets. During that time, he played in 627 games and scored 253 goals and 236 assists for 489 points. After leaving Columbus, he also played two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.

At 36 years old, Atkinson struggled last season, recording four goals and five assists for nine points in 39 games. It looked like the beginning of the end for him, but he still hopes to find a team for the 2025-26 season.

With NHL training camps and pre-season less than 20 days away, a professional tryout (PTO) could be his best route. At this stage of his career, he won’t be considered a top-six forward, but he could provide serviceable depth for a team close to the salary cap ceiling.

PTO invites are expected to start being announced within the next two weeks, so there is still hope that Atkinson will get an opportunity. If not, he may be forced to consider retirement.

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