He's has only played one season with the Jackets, but his presence has been felt in the form of protecting his teammates.

Mathieu Olivier - 65GP | 81 PIMS | 9 Fights (with CBJ)

Mathieu Olivier was traded to the Blue Jackets on July 1st, 2022 after spending three seasons in the Nashville Predators organization.

In his first season with the CBJ, Olivier did a good job in the role he was given. To go along with the nine fights, he had 15 points, not too shabby for a fourth-line grinder. But his job was to also be a tough guy, and he did just that. Olivier is a big man, standing at 6-foot-1 and 217 pounds. He is more than up to the task of being the tough guy. 

In his first season with the Jackets, he fought nine times, against nine different teams. Six of those fights were against Western Conference teams and two from inside the Metro. He fought the likes of Milan Lucic, Arber Xhekaj, and Nick Ritchie. It's clear he will step up with anybody, anywhere. 

Is Mathieu Olivier the next great CBJ fighter? He did well enough last season to earn a 2-year contract extension this summer. With the influx of young guys coming in, he'll be tasked to offer some protection for the near future. Olivier himself is only 26 years old, so he could be that guy to protect the youth for years to come. Olivier will most likely need to increase his fighting majors this year and there is no doubt he is up to it.

Mathieu Olivier became a fan favorite after his first year and will continue to be one for the foreseeable future. This Blue Jackets team will be better for it.

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