Provorov Trade Or Extension? The Columbus Blue Jackets have eight pending UFAs this summer. While they will likely try to re-sign a few of them, Mathieu Olivier appears to be the top priority. Olivier has been the heartbeat of the roster on a nightly basis. He is having a career year, which strengthens his case for an extension, but it’s what he brings on and off the ice that has truly earned him a new contract. He is one of—if not the—toughest fighters in the NHL and never hesitates to stand up for his teammates, even if it means dropping the gloves multiple times in a game. His presence allows the team’s young stars to go out and just play. Off the ice, he’s a world-class person and always a great interview. Simply put, he’s exactly what the Blue Jackets needed this season. What Could His Extension Look Like? Olivier is 28 years old, and while that’s not old, signing him to too long of a deal could create issues down the road. A three-year contract seems like the safest bet, keeping him under contract until age 31. A three-year deal with an AAV of $2.25 million would be ideal. In total, it would pay him $6.75 million, a manageable number for Columbus even if things didn’t work out. That would be a $1.15 million raise from his current AAV ($1.1 million) and would give him stability over the next three seasons.
