Taken almost a year ago, right winger Mathieu Olivier signed a new two-year, $2.2 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.
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The 26-year-old was eligible for salary arbitration after inking a two-year, $1.5 million deal with the Nashville Predators.
Last season, Olivier accumulated 15 points in 66 games while maintaining his -20 rating and recording 81 penalty minutes. In 114 games of his National League career, he had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points.
Though his performances weren’t enough to lift the Jackets out of the 2022-23 doldrums, the forward was pleased to see general manager Jarmo Kekalainen commend his tireless efforts.
“Mathieu’s work habits and dedication are immeasurable. He has become a player of great value to our organization on and off the ice, the GM said in a statement. He offers physical play and character to our training, in addition to that he relies on a good size.
The former Sherbrooke Phoenix, Shawinigan Cataractes and Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League were not drafted into the Bettman Circuit.