Report: Blue Jackets Looking To Extend 2 Players

In his most recent 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to sign forward Mathieu Olivier and defenseman Dante Fabbro to contract extensions.

Olivier, 27, is in the middle of a career year with the Blue Jackets. In 54 games this season, he has set new career highs with 10 goals and 18 points. He has also maintained his incredibly gritty style of play, as evidenced by his 97 penalty minutes and 195 hits.

Olivier has emerged as an important part of the Blue Jackets' roster, so it is entirely understandable that they are aiming to sign him to a contract extension. Losing him would create a big hole in their lineup, as he provides solid secondary scoring and is their toughest forward.

Fabbro, on the other hand, has bounced back in a big way since being claimed off waivers by the Blue Jackets earlier this season from the Nashville Predators. In 37 games since joining the Blue Jackets, he has four goals, 13 points, and an impressive plus-14 rating.

It will be fascinating to see if the Blue Jackets can get Olivier and Fabbro signed to new contracts from here. Given how well they have played for Columbus this season, they should work hard to keep them around.