The deal is a one-way contract that will pay Olivier $1.1 million in each of the next two seasons, effectively establishing him as a piece of the NHL roster through that entire time. Really, even if tough guys aren’t your thing, it makes a lot of sense to keep him around.
Olivier played in 66 games for the Blue Jackets this season, scoring 5 goals, 10 assists, and leading the team with 81 penalty minutes. He played the role of enforcer very well, standing up to the toughest guys from the opposing teams when called upon – but I thought he was also an effective forechecker when he was on the ice.