The Blue Jackets agreeing to terms Wednesday on a two-year contract extension with Mathieu Olivier , keeping the gritty enforcer in Columbus in his fourth-line role.
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The 26-year old forward will make $2.2 million on the one-way deal, carrying an average annual value of $1.1 million toward the NHL's salary cap each year. Olivier spent his first full year in the NHL with the Blue Jackets this past season, finishing with five goals, 10 assists, 15 points and 81 penalty minutes while playing right wing on the fourth line.
Oliver was acquired from the Nashville Predators last offseason for a fourth-round draft pick and immediately increased the Blue Jackets' toughness. That was an element they sorely lacked in 2021-22, which led to the acquisitions of Olivier up front and defenseman Erik Gudbranson on the blue line.
Olivier did more than fight, though.
He also used his 6-1, 217-pound frame to win board battles and worked on developing his offensive tools all season with Blue Jackets assistant Kenny McCudden, the team's top skills coach. He set career-highs in goals, assists, points while logging his first full NHL season.
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"Mathieu's work ethic and dedication are tremendous and he has become a valuable contributor to our organization on and off the ice," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. "He brings size, physicality and character to our lineup and we are excited that he will continue to be part of the Blue Jackets family."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets agree to two-year extension with Mathieu Olivier
