Eligible for autonomy without compensation next summer, the robust Mathieu Olivier has indeed begun contractual negotiations with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who do not intend to let him go for a song.
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A few days before Christmas, TVA Sports channel journalist Renaud Lavoie clarified that the parties concerned were far from an agreement, adding that the Quebecer “could hope for a four or five year pact earning him $2.75 or $3 million annually”. Also, Lavoie recalled that many supporters of the Montreal Canadiens hope to see Olivier end up with the Habs.
“JiC”: no imminent agreement for Olivier –
-However, the refrain from Jackets general manager Don Waddell is rather different. During an interview given during “The Sheet” podcast presented on Wednesday, he was relatively clear about his aims.
“We are talking with his representatives. Publicly, I would say that signing him for several years to come is our number 1 priority on our list, he said. He’s another guy in the locker room who took his game up a notch. Previously, he played around 8-10 minutes per game and now it’s 15-17 per night. He’s playing a bigger role in the team and in terms of goals scored, he’s having the season of his life.”
The 27-year-old hockey player has totaled 79 penalty minutes and collected 16 points, including 10 goals, in 41 games since the start of the campaign. He earns $1.1 million annually.
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