Robust Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier is having a very good start to the season and he is exactly the type of player that many Canadiens fans would like to see land in Montreal somewhere in the future.
After he put up quite a fight with CH defender Arber Xhekaj a few days ago, many people were talking about him in both traditional and social media.
And Olivier is well aware of that.
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“It’s hard not to hear them unless you live under a rock,” he said with a laugh on Wednesday, as another duel against the Canadian approached.
“I have family and friends in Quebec, so it comes to my ears a little,” he clarified.
The 27-year-old winger is in the final season of a two-year pact that pays him $1.1 million annually. He could be free as the air next summer, but he doesn’t seem to think too much about that.
“It’s certainly flattering, it’s the fun of seeing that people think I can have a good impact,” he admitted. Now, I’m a Blue Jacket and my “focus” is on being with the Blue Jackets, but I’d rather be talked about positively than negatively.”
Increase in production
Olivier has never scored more than 15 points in a season in the NHL. This year, he already has nine points, including six goals, while his previous high was five. If this increase in offensive production surprises many, Olivier knew he had the capabilities.
“I always believed in my abilities, but for certain reasons, it may have taken longer to develop,” he explained.
“I think I showed some flashes in the last few years, but it never really clicked,” he added. I think it’s a matter of continuing to improve on what I needed to improve on.”
Watch his press briefing in the main video.
