Atkinson on fatherhood: 'You definitely look at life a little different'

Just as he's done throughout his NHL career, Cam Atkinson is going through his offseason training regimen focused on the season ahead.
He's adding strength in the gym, training in Columbus with Blue Jackets veteran center Brandon Dubinsky, and they're both going through on-ice workouts at the OhioHealth Ice Haus along with other Jackets players and prospects. This year, though, there's a twist.
Atkinson is three-plus weeks into being a dad now, after his wife, Natalie, gave birth to their first child, Declan Cameron Atkinson, on July 24.
"My wife's an absolute rock star, and Declan … he's sleeping probably three-to-four hours, which I guess is pretty good compared to what most people say," Atkinson said this week, prior to getting on the ice for another workout. "He has his moments, for sure, but for the most part he's eating, sleeping and doing all the stuff that he needs to be doing. It's been great."

Atkinson, who has four brothers, is excited to get his own family started. He's 29, heading into his eighth NHL season and has gained a new perspective in the past three weeks.
"For me, family's everything," Atkinson said. "To start my legacy and have a healthy boy was the most important thing, but you definitely look at life a little different now. We're still pretty early in the stages. He's only three weeks old. But certain things that mattered before don't matter as much anymore. It's been great. I wouldn't change it for the world."
As for parenting, Atkinson said he and Natalie are heeding the advice of their parents, to sleep when the baby sleeps. They're also savoring their first few months as a family - and Atkinson is gaining even more respect for the job his own parents, Tom and Ellen, did raising five sons.
"It puts things into perspective, for sure, realizing that my mom's an absolute saint to put up with five boys - including my father, who's probably the worst out of all of us," he said, smiling. "A lot of people have said that it goes by quick, so take it all in, which we have."
They're prepared for hockey season, too.
Declan has an assortment of Blue Jackets onesies to wear, along with another clothing item he can grow into.
"He already has his daddy's jersey, No. 13," Atkinson said. "He's got to get a little bigger, but he'll be ready to rock-and-roll by the time the season starts."
Dad will be, too.