Big Development for Blue Jackets' Pending UFA Mathieu Olivier

Hard-hitting forward Mathieu Olivier has been seen on plenty of trade boards this season, as the 28-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent. But that might just have been wishful thinking for rival teams, as the Columbus Blue Jackets have said throughout the year that they want to keep Olivier, and now it appears that's about to happen.

Some items need to be finalized, but #CBJ GM Don Waddell just said on our show a few minutes ago that he expects a contract extension with Mathieu Olivier to be done "soon."
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 1, 2025

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell just told him that he expects a contract extension with Olivier to be done "soon." Just a few i's to be dotted and some Ts to be crossed.

Olivier is coming off a two-year $1.1 million AAV deal, but has proven to be invaluable to the Jackets with his physical play, while adding a career-high 12 goals and 21 points this year from the bottom six.

THE SHOE IS ROCKING 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/rbxlv6xdcP
— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) March 2, 2025

The 6'1", 226-pound bruiser has handed out 223 hits already this season in 59 games, good for second in the NHL. He's also been in a league-leading 18 fights, and has spent 99 minutes in the penalty box.

HOCKEY FIGHT OF THE YEAR?! 🤯🥊

Heavyweight throw down between Ryan Reaves and Mathieu Olivier 😮pic.twitter.com/B19Gh4FiJY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2025

Olivier has fought his way to a nice new extension with Columbus.

Details on the contract have yet to be announced.

Mathieu Olivier deserves EVERY PENNY of the extension he’s about to receive with the #CBJ

An absolute nailgun and phenomenal leader on and off the ice. Dude fears no one https://t.co/hhOK0KmNXH pic.twitter.com/nn1TExF4Gh
— Drop the Mitts Hockey (@dropmittshockey) March 1, 2025