Yahoo Sports Devils Should Target Blue Jackets Tough Guy
The New Jersey Devils are at the top of the Eastern Conference standings as we inch closer to the new year. With this, they are clearly expected to be buyers this season.
It is fair to argue that the Devils would benefit by adding another bottom-six forward before the deadline passes. When looking at potential trade targets around the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets offer an intriguing one in Mathieu Olivier.
Olivier, 27, is a pending unrestricted free agent on a rebuilding Blue Jackets club. Due to this, he created some chatter in the rumor mill during this campaign. If he does not sign an extension with Columbus nearing the deadline and is made available, he would be a solid addition for a Devils club that could use more bite before the post-season.
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Olivier is undoubtedly known for his rugged style of play, as evidenced by his 72 penalty minutes and 132 hits in just 37 games this campaign. However, besides bringing in an edge, he has also shown this season that he can provide decent secondary scoring. He currently has nine goals and 15 points on the year, and three points in his last five contests.
With this, Olivier could be an excellent addition to the Devils' bottom six. We will need to wait and see if they end up making a push for him from here.
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