General manager Don Waddell has credited Mathieu Olivier with being a big part of the Blue Jackets exceeding expectations and contending for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Earlier this season, when the Columbus Blue Jackets and right winger Mathieu Olivier began negotiating a contract extension, Olivier’s initial demand was that any new agreement include a minimum term of four years.

In the midst of one of his best NHL campaigns, the Columbus Blue Jackets locked up forward Mathieu Olivier on a six-year deal on Wednesday.