In a league often dominated by highlight-reel superstars, true value can sometimes fly under the radar. That's exactly the case for Columbus Blue Jackets winger Mathieu Olivier, who has just been recognized as one of the NHL's most underrated forwards in a recent analysis by The Athletic.

Since joining the Blue Jackets in the 2022-23 season, Olivier has carved out a unique and indispensable role. His game is a throwback blend of grit and skill, combining punishing physicality with a surprising offensive touch—a combination so rare it earned him a significant six-year contract extension last spring.

The numbers back up the hype. Following a career-best 32-point campaign last year, Olivier has continued his impactful play this season, contributing 15 goals and 26 points in 61 games. More telling than the scoresheet, however, are his 209 hits and 101 penalty minutes, stats that underscore the relentless, physical edge he brings every night.

For a Blue Jackets team building a hard-nosed identity, Olivier is the prototype. He’s the kind of player who changes the momentum of a game with a single shift, providing the toughness that makes space for skill players and the defensive responsibility coaches trust. While he may not top the league in scoring, his all-around game makes him a player every single team in the NHL would covet for their bottom six.