Mathieu Olivier needs to be on the roster
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 nine fights, he had 15 points in 66 games, not too shabby for a fourth-line grinder.
After last season, Olivier was signed to a 2-year extension through 2025 and got a well-deserved raise. He should serve a specific role for this team, and that's to be a protector for the plethora of young guys that will be on the roster for the upcoming season.
Olivier only has 22 career points in his young career, but he has 16 career fights, is he the next great CBJ "enforcer"? He certainly could be. He's only 26 years old and although the enforcer has basically been eliminated in the NHL, his play-style, especially on this team is needed. Sure the Jackets have Dimitri Voronkov coming in, but he may not even be on the roster until he's gotten used to the North American ice size and style. So the Jackets need to roll with Olivier.
The Biloxi Bulldog as he's called, should definitely be on the opening night roster, and there's no doubt in my mind he will be.
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