Mathieu Olivier

June 2022 – The Blue Jackets have acquired right-winger Mathieu Olivier in exchange for a 2022 fourth round pick which was originally owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Curtis Rines

June 2022 – It was a disappointing season for Olivier. After being an opening night hopeful, the power forward spent most of his year with the Admirals. Olivier scored just five goals and 11 points in 46 regular-season contests, then went pointless in seven playoff games. Although he provides value through his physicality, it will be tough to crack the NHL roster with a lack of offensive production in the minors. With a year left on his $750,000 deal, Olivier will still have another shot to break into the Predators’ bottom six, but he faces an uphill battle. Curtis Rines

December 2021 – Once expected to be a regular in the Predators lineup this season, Olivier has struggled to win a spot and has bounced around between the NHL and AHL. After falling victim to an injury right at the beginning of the season and with the emergence of players like Phil Tomasino and Tanner Jeannot, Olivier has seemingly fallen down the depth chart when it comes to winger call-ups. If he can begin to string together more productive games with Milwaukee, it shouldn’t be long until he comes knocking for another extended shot with the Predators. Curtis Rines

April 2021 – Olivier has been a great asset to the Predators this season. From the taxi squad to a regular in the lineup, he’s added a heavy brand of hockey on the wing that the roster has been missing. His successful run on the season may likely be done given a recent lower-body injury. His expected timeline is 4-6 weeks. Nicholas Kawka

February 2021 – As a member of the taxi squad early on in the 2021 season, Olivier has been earning his share of ice-time for the Predators and making his presence felt. His physical style is helping him edge his way into the lineup and he is taking advantage of opportunities. Oliver plays a traditional up-and-down game by finishing checks, working the boards, making space for his linemates, and chipping in with the occasional box score marker from in tight. If you are looking for a fantasy minor leaguer with peripherals, add Olivier to your watchlist for players contributing to penalty minutes and hits. Nicholas Kawka

July 2020 – In his first AHL season, Olivier delivered as expected for the Admirals. His physicality blended right in with the hard nosed Milwaukee style of play and he showed flashes of his scoring touch potting 10 goals over 56 games. Olivier has a presence on the ice as he moves well for a bigger winger and initiates contact at every opportunity. His 95 penalty minutes were second on the team and speak to his strengths as a power forward. Olivier did see an eight-game stint in Nashville later in the season, which bodes well for his potential down the road as he has made a strong impression on the organization in his initial season. Nicholas Kawka

July 2019 – Olivier signed a two-year ELC with Nashville in May.  Olivier is known as a hard working power forward that can clean up loose pucks down low.  He displays strong puck pursuit on the forecheck and likes to engage in physical play. His board work is a strong suit and he is known to fight on occasion, which should add some depth toughness for the Predators.  Olivier is expected to spend the majority of his pro career in the AHL and serve as a call-up in relief should Nashville need support.  Nicholas Kawka