In a surprise announcement this afternoon, longtime Jackets Rink Reporter Dave Maetzold posted a video to Twitter that looked like his normal pregame routine announcing the broadcast details, but this one came with a fun twist.
Hey #CBJ fans! This afternoon’s BlueJackets Live pre-game show will have a fresh look with a fresh (recently retired) face. Join us at 3:30 to see the debut of a member of the Jackets all quarter century team. @FanDuelSN_CBUS pic.twitter.com/2nPYxtQ3hD
— Dave Maetzold (@DMaetzMedia) March 9, 2026
Who said that 4 PM Monday puck drops couldn't be interesting?
In a big surprise, former Blue Jacket and franchise legend Cam Atkinson is set to join Brian Giesenschlag for the Blue Jackets' pregame show for the first time following his playing career. It appears he'll be taking the spot of longtime host Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre, at least for one night. Jean-Luc's availability was not addressed immediately in the analysts' surprise release.
Cam Atkinson is, of course, one of the most notable figures in the Union Blue from the history of the franchise. When he departed from the team following the 2020-2021 campaign, he was in second place in the franchise's history in goals, points, game-winning goals, and shots on goal (1,883) behind franchise leader Rick Nash, who leads in all categories.
He also garnered six hat tricks and 26 postseason points during his time in Arch City, franchise highs, and co-holds the club record for most goals in a season, 41, with Rick Nash.
Atkinson has been an outspoken supporter of the club since his retirement in the 2025 offseason, and retired as a Blue Jacket on a one-day contract on October 16th, 2025. Following this, he joined the club's front office in an undisclosed role and has since moved back to Columbus.
Cam owns and aids in operating the prestigious Battery Hockey Academy, which also sports former Blue Jackets Jared Boll, Fedor Tyutin, and Brandon Dubinsky amongst its coaching staff, per the Academy's website.
Atkinson has never minced words when speaking about his love of Arch City, his time playing in the Union Blue, and his deep personal connection to the city. Cam and his wife, Natalie, were a huge reason why Johnny Gaudreau ended up signing to play for the Blue Jackets, and have been a key part of the Gaudreaus' support system ever since.
"They were (and kinda still are) our first call for everything Columbus. The way Cam and Natalie set us up house hunted for us, drive-bys, videos, offering us their house while we were waiting! Helping us with all things new parents in a new city. And so much more. Amazing friends and amazing people."Meredith Gaudreau
It'll be greatly exciting to see if Cam remains a permanent part of the broadcast team moving forward, but regardless, this single pregame show will immediately become must-see TV for the Union Blue faithful.