As reported by The Athletic on Monday, the Blue Jackets are close to signing tough winger Mathieu Olivier to a long-term contract extension. Olivier, a pending unrestricted free agent, has emerged as perhaps the NHL’s top fighter, as well as a leader and a secondary scorer (12 goals) for Columbus this season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been arguably the biggest surprise of the 2024-25 NHL season, holding onto a playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches. Entering the year, it was a safe bet the Blue Jackets would be sellers at the deadline.