Blue Jackets reward Atkinson with 2-year extension

Apr 26, 2013 - 9:45 PM Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - The Columbus Blue Jackets inked forward Cam Atkinson to a two-year contract extension on Friday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Cam is a highly skilled and exciting player who continues to evolve in all aspects of his game," said Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. "He battles hard every night, has a great determination to succeed and we are pleased that he will continue to be an important member of our hockey club."

The 23-year-old has totaled eight goals and eight assists in 34 games with a plus-seven rating this year for the Jackets, who are still vying for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

In 61 appearances over his two-year NHL career, Atkinson has totaled 15 goals and 30 points.

The Jackets' sixth-round pick in the 2008 draft completed his three years at Boston College with 68 goals and 124 points with a plus-42 rating over 117 games which included a 2010 national title.

Atkinson was signed to a two-year, entry-level pact in March of 2011, and would have been a restricted free agent this summer.