The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the best stories in all of sports this season. They have responded to the death of Johnny Gaudreau by having their best season in years, holding down a playoff spot heading into the NHL trade deadline.

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.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell hoping to supplement roster for stretch run without 'devastating' resilient team's culture.