Mathieu Olivier has always been known as a tough guy in the professional hockey ranks. After the last couple of years, many think he could be the best fighter in the entire NHL. Don Waddell himself said that he has yet to see him lose a fight. However, Olivier expanded upon that role in 2024-25. He developed his offensive game and became more of a power forward, which was desperately needed for the Blue Jackets.
Olivier’s breakout offensive campaign saw him score 18 goals and 32 points. He also played in all 82 games for the club, which is a rarity for any player, let alone power forwards and willing fighters. His development helped drive offensive production from the bottom 6 forward group. He was a very difficult player to play against last season.
For 2025-26, expect Olivier to be a mainstay in the bottom 6 of the forward group. Depending on injuries and the play of others, he will bounce between the third and fourth line. If everyone is healthy and more players are contributing offensively, I would expect Olivier to be on the fourth line with Isac Lundestrom and Miles Wood.
If injuries occur or other players struggle, he will be elevated to the third line with Charlie Coyle and Cole Sillinger. He will be tasked with bringing a lot of energy to each game and driving the forecheck. His physicality will be needed if the Blue Jackets want to make the playoffs.
Olivier signed a contract extension in the middle of last season. He is signed with the Blue Jackets through the 2030-31 season at an average cap hit of $3.0 million per season. He will be a mainstay with the Blue Jackets for years to come. If he can continue to perform as he did last season, that contract will turn out to be a bargain.
One bold prediction: Mathieu Olivier will score more than 20 goals for the team and will lead the NHL in hits.
This prediction may not be so bold. Olivier was 2nd in the NHL in hits this past season (306), so predicting he will lead the NHL in hits is not outlandish. He has some stiff competition, but I think it is achievable. He had a career best year offensively, scoring 18 goals. Scoring more than 20 would exceed his career best, but I believe it is achievable with his style of play and the players that he will be playing with.
If he can develop some consistency offensively (18+ goals per season), the CBJ would be thrilled. My prediction thinks he will take that next step to be consistent both physically and offensively. Olivier is a fan-favorite and the type of player that every NHL team wants on their roster. Expect him to be a driver for the CBJ forecheck and to continue to be one of the toughest guys in the NHL.