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Columbus Blue Jackets Signing of Forward Shows Organizational Message

The Columbus Blue Jackets are continuing their efforts in being a responsible organization led by general manager Don Waddell. Today they announced a big deal, as tough guy Mathieu Olivier signs a six-year deal. The deal is worth a total of $18 million. This is a great deal personally and just a great sign the team is committed to identifying solid people.

Mathieu Olivier Signs Six-Year Contract Extension

It seems the recently turned 28 year old has really elevated his game this year. Before Columbus, he also played parts of three seasons in Nashville. This is his third campaign in Ohio.

He’s finally established himself into a more regular contributor, up to 14:29 a game of average ice time. Furthermore, he’s smashed his previous career marks. He has 12 goals and 21 points on the year. Previously, his career highs were five goals and 15 points. Even his hit total is up as he’s at 228 on the campaign thus far. He plays a responsible game through his experience and maturity, and it paid off today.

What Does this Mean in CBJ

For Columbus as a whole, the fact that Mathieu Olivier signs a deal like this is a good thing. Additionally, lots of players are having big seasons for them. Guys like Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski, their top-two point producers, have shown they are near star status in the league. Werenski in particular, with 64 points on the year from the blueline. Columbus is currently leading the Eastern Conference wild card by a slim two points. However, with them exceeding expectations this year, they just won’t go away. Olivier is such a great example of players playing above expectations. It has been such a feel good story in Columbus this year and this is just another example.

Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – Imagn Images

About Levi Pike, Editor

Levi Pike is an editor and writer here at Last Word on Hockey. He has lived all over Canada but grew up in Nanaimo, BC. Currently, he lives with his loving wife, three kids, and dog in the capital of the Easterly most province of Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He’s passionate about hockey, in particular, the Ottawa Senators and statistics. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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