As reported by The Athletic on Monday, the Blue Jackets are close to signing tough winger Mathieu Olivier to a long-term contract extension. Olivier, a pending unrestricted free agent, has emerged as perhaps the NHL’s top fighter, as well as a leader and a secondary scorer (12 goals) for Columbus this season.

The Blue Jackets must be careful at this trade deadline, as there is a fine line between their dream and nightmare scenarios.

Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said that pending UFA Ivan Provorov has been their best shutdown defenseman. It’s possible that Provorov is dealt, but he could also be staying past the deadline. It’s looking like the Blue Jackets won’t be sellers at the deadline.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are expected to keep most of their players together, as the NHL trade deadline approaches this season. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell wants to give his team more time to gel and win.

No. 1 pick in 2002 helped pave way for success that led to Stadium Series against Red Wings at Ohio State When you think of the Columbus Blue Jackets, it's hard not to think of Rick Nash. Nash was selected by the Blue Jackets No.